MBA Update
Swinburne, along with the 17 other TAFE Institutes/Universities with TAFE Divisions, has just recently been advised of Ministerial approval to proceed with the next steps to make the Multi Business Agreement (MBA).

Currently there is a submission into the Workplace Authority seeking its approval to make a Multi-Business Agreement. The MBA will then be pre-lodged with the Workplace Authority to check that it complies with the Workplace Relations Act to ensure that it does not contain any prohibited content.

Once this has occurred, the MBA will be signed by all Institute/University TAFE Division CEOs and the AEU. Information about the MBA will be provided to employees followed by a formal ballot that will be conducted by all 18 TAFE Institutes/Universities with TAFE Divisions. All employees covered by the MBA will be eligible to vote, including sessional teachers.

Once the formal vote has taken place, and at least 50% plus one of all employees who vote across the system endorse the MBA, it will be lodged with the Workplace Authority for approval.

Once the MBA has passed the No Disadvantage Test and been approved by the Workplace Authority, salary increases will be processed and implementation information sessions will be conducted.

Summary of Key Steps in MBA Certification Process

• Seek Ministerial approval (this has been achieved)
• Seek Workplace Authority to make a MBA rather than Enterprise Bargaining Agreement
• Pre -lodgement Prohibited Content Check submission to Workplace Authority
• Address any requirements from Workplace Authority arising for its pre-lodgement checks.
• Signing of MBA by all Institute/University TAFE Division CEOs and AEU
• Provide information to employees and conduct ballots at 18 Institutions
• Lodge Agreement & Employer Declaration for No Disadvantage Test (NDT) with Workplace Authority
• Address any requirements from Workplace Authority from NDT
• When approved by Workplace Authority provide notice to staff and process payments.

Linda Brown
Deputy Vice-Chancellor
and Director TAFE