Seqwater Enterprise Agreement 2019: Overview and Key Features
Seqwater is one of Australia`s largest water utilities, responsible for supplying reliable and affordable drinking water to over 3 million people in the South East Queensland region. As a government-owned corporation, Seqwater is bound by an enterprise agreement – a legally binding contract between employers and employees that outlines the terms and conditions of employment.
In July 2019, Seqwater reached a new enterprise agreement with its employees, covering a range of employment conditions, pay rates, and other benefits. Here`s an overview of the key features of the Seqwater Enterprise Agreement 2019.
Pay rates and wage increases
One of the most significant aspects of the Seqwater Enterprise Agreement 2019 is the pay rates and wage increases for employees. The agreement provides for a 2.5% pay increase each year for three years, starting from July 1, 2019. This means that employees will receive a salary increase of 7.5% by the end of the agreement in 2022.
In addition, the agreement includes higher pay rates for certain positions, such as plant operators, who will receive a 2.5% increase in their base rate of pay. The agreement also provides for a new salary classification system that will improve pay equity across the organization.
Hours of work and flexible arrangements
The Seqwater Enterprise Agreement 2019 also includes provisions for hours of work and flexible arrangements. The agreement provides for a standard workweek of 38 hours, with the option for employees to work flexible hours or part-time arrangements. This allows for a better work-life balance and provides greater flexibility for employees to manage their personal and professional commitments.
Leave entitlements
The agreement also sets out the leave entitlements for Seqwater employees. This includes annual leave, personal leave, and parental leave. The agreement provides for increased parental leave entitlements, with up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave available to eligible employees.
Other benefits
In addition to the above, the Seqwater Enterprise Agreement 2019 also provides for a range of other benefits, including:
• Improved superannuation arrangements
• A professional development fund to support employee career development
• Improved safety provisions, including better access to personal protective equipment
• A new family violence support policy for employees affected by family violence
Conclusion
The Seqwater Enterprise Agreement 2019 represents a significant improvement in employment conditions for Seqwater employees. The agreement provides for higher pay rates, flexible working arrangements, and improved leave entitlements, among other benefits. This is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and supportive workplace for Seqwater employees, and a model for other organizations to follow.