The Ozcare Enterprise Agreement 2019: What You Need to Know
In December 2019, Ozcare, a not-for-profit organisation providing community care services across Queensland, signed a new enterprise agreement that covers more than 1,700 employees. The Ozcare Enterprise Agreement 2019 (EA) replaces the previous agreement that expired in 2016 and introduces some significant changes to the terms and conditions of employment. Here`s what you need to know about the EA and its implications for workers and the organisation.
Key Features of the Enterprise Agreement
The EA covers a wide range of matters, including pay rates, allowances, annual and personal leave, flexible working arrangements, dispute settlement procedures, and health and safety arrangements. Some of the key features of the agreement are:
1. Pay Increases: The EA provides for a 2.5% pay increase in the first year and a further 2.5% increase in the second year of the agreement. The increases are backdated to 1 July 2019 and 1 July 2020, respectively.
2. New Classification Structure: The EA introduces a new classification structure for employees, which includes four levels based on skills, experience, and responsibilities. The new structure aims to provide clearer career paths and development opportunities for staff.
3. Increased Flexibility: The EA allows for greater flexibility in working arrangements, including part-time and casual work, job sharing, and flexible working hours. The agreement also provides for a more generous parental leave scheme.
4. Improved Health and Safety Measures: The EA establishes new health and safety provisions that aim to protect workers from harm and ensure a safe working environment. The agreement includes a commitment to regular risk assessments, training, and consultation with workers on safety matters.
Implications for Workers
The EA has been welcomed by many Ozcare workers who see it as a significant step forward in securing better pay and conditions, as well as improving job security and career prospects. The pay increases will help to ensure that workers are paid a fair wage for their work, while the new classification structure provides opportunities for career progression and recognition of skills and experience. The increased flexibility in working arrangements is also likely to benefit workers who need to balance work and family commitments.
However, some workers have raised concerns about the new classification structure, which they see as potentially leading to a loss of pay and conditions for some staff. The changes in the structure mean that some employees may be classified at a lower level than they were previously, which could result in a reduction in pay or entitlements. Ozcare has reassured workers that the new structure is not intended to disadvantage any employee and that it has consulted with staff throughout the process.
Implications for Ozcare
The EA is likely to have positive implications for Ozcare as an organisation. The improved pay and conditions are likely to increase staff morale and retention rates, which will ultimately benefit the quality of care provided to clients. The increased flexibility in working arrangements is also likely to benefit the organisation by enabling it to respond more effectively to the changing needs of clients and the community. The new classification structure may also help to ensure that the organisation has skilled and experienced staff who can deliver high-quality care.
In conclusion, the Ozcare Enterprise Agreement 2019 represents a significant development in the employment conditions of more than 1,700 workers. While there are some concerns about the new classification structure, the agreement is likely to have positive implications for workers, Ozcare, and the quality of care provided to clients. It is an example of how employers and employees can work together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.