The Defence Enterprise Agreement 2017: A Comprehensive Overview
The Defence Enterprise Agreement 2017 is an agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for Australian Department of Defence employees. This agreement covers over 19,000 employees across a range of roles, including military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors.
The agreement was negotiated between the Department of Defence and unions representing Defence employees, and was signed on May 31, 2017. It has a nominal expiry date of June 30, 2020, but may continue to operate until a new agreement is negotiated.
The agreement covers a range of topics, including pay, leave entitlements, working hours, and conditions of employment. Here`s a closer look at some of the key provisions.
Pay
Under the Defence Enterprise Agreement 2017, employees are entitled to a base salary increase of 2% per annum for the life of the agreement. This is in addition to any other pay increases or bonuses that may be awarded.
Leave Entitlements
The agreement provides for a range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave. Employees are entitled to four weeks of annual leave each year, and may be able to accrue additional leave if they work in certain roles or have long periods of service.
Employees are also entitled to a range of different types of leave, including personal leave, compassionate leave, and cultural leave. These leave types are designed to help employees balance their work and personal responsibilities, and to provide support during difficult times.
Working Hours
The agreement sets out standard working hours for Defence employees, with most employees expected to work 37.5 hours per week. However, there are provisions for flexible working arrangements, including part-time work, job sharing, and flexible start and finish times.
Employees who work outside of normal hours, such as shift workers or those who work on weekends, are entitled to additional pay and leave entitlements.
Conditions of Employment
The agreement also covers a range of conditions of employment, including workplace health and safety, discrimination, and dispute resolution. Employees are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace, and are protected from discrimination based on a range of factors, including race, gender, age, and disability.
If a dispute arises between an employee and the Department of Defence, there are procedures in place to help resolve the issue. This may include mediation or arbitration, depending on the nature of the dispute.
Overall, the Defence Enterprise Agreement 2017 is a comprehensive document that sets out the rights, responsibilities, and entitlements of Defence employees. By providing a clear framework for employment, the agreement helps to ensure that employees are treated fairly and equitably, and that they are able to balance their work and personal responsibilities.