Reject Proposed National Classification Structure

ARCBS Management Need to Understand - NO means NO

The ARCBS has been trying to impose a new classification structure across Blood Services Australia-wide which would significantly reduce the recognition of the skills of scientists, and in many instances reduce the rates of pay attaching to classifications, as well as destroying career structures. Part of the agenda would is to take away higher qualifications allowances, and destroy the nexus with rates in the public sector in Victoria.

Scientists in Victoria unanimously rejected the ARCBS’ proposal a MSAV meeting in August. The MSAV has been in correspondence with the ARCBS and we have advised management that the proposed structures and remuneration will not be accepted by scientists in Victoria.

The ARCBS have recognised that it is powerless to implement the so-called ‘national structure’ in Victoria, given that there is an agreement and a Heads of Agreement in place with the MSAV which set out the current structures.

However management has proceeded with an aggressive campaign to try to implement the ‘national structure’ in the other states – a campaign which has been successfully resisted by scientists.

In Queensland scientists at the ARCBS have taken industrial action in support of proper pay and conditions. The ARCBS responded by putting an ‘agreement’ out to vote which would have implemented management’s proposed structures. The agreement was voted down 63% to 37%.

In SA the ARCBS are trying to force the classification structure through by claiming that the current agreement allows for the unilateral imposition of changes classification structures. This is being opposed by scientists in SA.

In WA employees of the ARCBS were balloted and overwhelmingly rejected the ARCBS’ proposed national classification structure. Notwithstanding the views of staff, ARCBS plan to ballot staff again. Management does not seem to understand that scientists (and other staff) have rejected the ARCBS’s proposals which will undermine career paths and rates of pay.