Updates from the Latest Joint Consultative Meeting and Union Activities at Multicultural Australia 

Multicultural Australia (MA) - Here’s what you need to know
Joint Consultative Meeting – 12th June Highlights

Union Issues Raised:

  • Employment:
    • Expressed disappointment about recent decisions to changes to the Employment team
    • Raised team’s concerns regarding newly proposed model.
  • HR (Change Manager - Ally):
    • Requested further information about the purpose of the external consultant position.
  • Parents Next:
    • MA provided updates about potential changes to the Parents Next program and Union requested future timeline.
    • Workers reported feeling ‘in limbo’ regarding the program's future.
  • Unaccompanied Minors Program:
    • MA Provided status updates regarding the underpayment to employees that the Union has been fighting for.
  • Delegates:
    • Ensured that delegates / Union receive consultation information in real-time.
  • HSP (Humanitarian Settlement Program):
    • Sought clarification on caseloads ranging from 60-80.
    • Discussed what levels existing employees will be paid in the new structure, recognising employees hold concerns about moving to a lower pay point level (e.g. 4.1 as opposed to an equivalent 4.4 as per their years of service). This was confirmed by management, and workers will be paid according to their length of service and will be paid the equivalent pay point.
    • Questioned method of communication to employees regarding changes.
    • Requested management consider a review of the new team structures at MA at 3-6 months, post the changes have taken effect. Management have agreed that they will consider a review point of the new structures and inform the Union.  
  • Redundancies:
    • Employees requested clarification on the redundancy process.
  • Union Representation in all staff meetings:
    • Raised concerns about the Union being misrepresented in employee communication which creates an impression that the TSU endorses all changes from MA.
    • Called for neutral language in communication.

 
Union Advocacy and Transparency:

Our Union has been steadfast in advocating for transparency and the interests of Members as MA continues to undergo significant transformation. The recent changes affecting the Settlement Engagement and Transition Support (SETS) teams, compounded by delays in tender feedback from the Department, resulted in a shortened consultation period. Union members can rest assured that their interests are being strongly advocated for in these forums.

Health and Safety Concerns:

Our Union addressed employee’s occupational health and safety concerns at the Logan Service that came directly from Workplace Health and Safety representatives. Together, we aim to create a safe and healthy workplace environment that we all aspire to work in.

Sector Campaigns and Wins

Wage Increase Campaign:

  • The union movement successfully secured a 3.75% wage increase for all Award workers; this win will benefit MA Australia workers effective from the first full pay period in July. This victory was achieved through dedicated lobbying and petitioning by Union members including those at MA.

Skilled, Respected, Equal Campaign:

  • Union members have a big focus on the need for a classification structure that ensures fair pay, reflecting skills, experience, and qualifications. Our Union is working towards making this a reality in the future. You can support our Skilled, Respected and Equal
    campaign here.

Call to Action:

Considering the numerous changes at MA, it's crucial to remain vigilant and united in our objectives to foster a workplace that prioritises work-life balance, mental health and well-being, career development, job security, and longevity. Union members lead the way, and your participation is vital in the process of representation.  

Upcoming Union Meetings:

Keep an eye out for invitations to our next Union meetings over the next two weeks. Increasing Union membership is essential to secure improved employment conditions and entitlements. Let's support and invite colleagues who have not yet joined our Union, as we can only win together.

Join Us:

Encourage non-members to join our Union so we can collectively create a MA that embodies our collective values of respect and dignity. Non-members can join here .

At MA, there's still much more to accomplish. We need everyone's support to drive meaningful change. Only by standing together can we create a workplace culture that truly reflects our values and aspirations. Let’s unite and make this vision a reality.