Neighbourhood Houses update

The Neighbourhood Houses Multiple Business Agreement has finally taken effect at over 200 Houses that signed onto it! 

The negotiation process was completed in 2006, but it took another nine months for the Agreement to be approved by the Workplace Authority and then for the actual voting process to roll out across the sector. 

This is one of only a handful of Multiple Business Agreements that have been approved since WorkChoices took effect, so congratulations to everyone who has been involved in the process - especially to the union members who have helped get this finalised.

The Agreement sets a new common benchmark for members working in over 200 Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres all around Victoria.  It protects and improves their wages and working conditions, meaning that those Houses that have signed on will find it easier to recruit and retain staff.  The fact that the parties reached a collective position on this should also place the Houses and their peak body, ANHLC, in a good position in future negotiations relating to government funding for Houses across the sector.

Having said that, the ASU are still getting enquiries from staff at the minority of Houses that did not sign onto the Agreement this time around.  In some cases, it was simply a matter of missing the deadline for the ballot.  We have had discussions with ANHLC and the other unions involved and everyone has agreed to a ‘mop up’ process that will give Houses that did not come on board this time the opportunity to sign up in a second round of voting.

So if you work at a House that missed out in the first round but is now considering signing on, contact Wil Stracke at the ASU on wstracke@asuvic.com for details of the arrangements.  Alternately, if your House has decided not to sign on - despite the fact that you and your co workers are keen to be part of this - get in touch with Wil and we can discuss your options.