10 year bargaining drought over for ANZ staff

In the first union pay deal struck with the bank in over a decade ANZ employees have won a pay rise of around 4 per cent.

The Finance Sector Union negotiated an agreement which has been overwhelmingly endorsed by ANZ’s 24 000 strong workforce.

Over 87 per cent voted in favour of the agreement in a ballot at the end of November.

Both the union and ANZ’s management agreed that the process of reaching an agreement was at times challenging but the final outcome will benefit all involved.

Wendy Streets, FSU Director of Campaigns and Bargaining said this was a significant first step but that there are some asks on the list from the union and its members that have yet to be won.

"Of course, after such a long freeze, the thawing process has had its difficulties, but we welcome the positive and professional attitude adopted by ANZ management in recognising their employees’ desire for a union collective agreement," she said.

Under the agreement, ANZ employees will now have access to:

• • 16 weeks childcare allowance
• • 12 weeks paid parental leave
• • 24 months unpaid parental leave
• • flexible working arrangements

The agreement also explicitly allows for union officials to attend induction sessions to meet and greet new staff.

It also includes a dispute resolution clause enabling Fair Work Australia to arbitrate any disputes over its terms or the National Employment Standard arrangements.