IBM Australia Employees Win Settlement

May 1, 2001

IBM GSA shiftwork employees at St Leonards and Clayton achieved a negotiated settlement in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) last Friday. The settlement improved on management's original offer in the following ways:

· Guaranteed inclusion of shift penalties in severance pay
· Additional 4 week ex-gratia payment added to severance pay
· Decision deadline moved from 12 April to 3 May
· Employees who choose redeployment can change to the redundancy option during the first 12 weeks

CPSU has written to management for clarification on some further points of the settlement, and another bulletin will be issued when a reply is received.

CPSU negotiating team is now keen to resume negotiations for the new enterprise agreement so that employees and the company can reach a clear understanding. Having rights and obligations spelt out helps to prevent industrial disputes, and that is everyone's preference where possible.

The improved benefits gained in this dispute were won through members' efforts. Importantly, they show that IBM GSA will listen to employees - when the message is sufficiently "loud and clear"!