WRA’s focus too narrow

Now that the dust has settled since release of the consultation draft of the proposed ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) 2002-2004, the Federation can respond to feedback received and provide members with our views of the proposal.

We won’t repeat the content of the proposal in detail- suffice to say there is an offer on the table of 6 per cent over a period of 18 months (November 1, 2002, to May 6, 2004) with no trade-offs asked for.

The draft WRA has a narrow focus and makes no mention of the personnel initiatives the federation suggested in recent editions of all service newspapers.

While on that, we must correct a point on our suggestion of limitless accrual of recreation leave.

In our previous WRA article the federation suggested that cash-out of leave upon discharge be capped at 60 days.

However, as placing such a limitation may overlook members in receipt of additional forms of recreation leave, we have lifted the cap. It is our view that members who are unable to clear all recreation leave credits before discharge should be able to cash out all remaining credits that have been accumulated during the preceding three leave years. We thank those members for bringing this to our attention.

Getting back to the WRA proposal, the first thing the federation will be seeking is an up-front bonus payment of $750 to compensate members for the ADF’s failure to deliver on its undertaking to review service allowance during the period of the outgoing arrangement.

Next, we want the transitional period applied to the phasing out of Isolated Established Allowance for ADF personnel extended to mirror the transitional plan for Defence civilians.

We also intend seeking additional compensation over and above the first 3 per cent installment proposed in the WRA if the ADF is not prepared to identify or deliver personnel initiatives during the period of the arrangement.

The duration of the proposed WRA will also be challenged.

The federation understands the rationale to follow the next Defence Civilian Certified Agreement (DECA) that expires in December 2003 but not to the extent of placing ADF personnel some five months (or more) behind their civilian counterparts.

If we are to have real common outcomes, why can’t the WRA conclude closer to, or at the same time, as the DECA? Future arrangements could then run in parallel, with regular reviews of service allowance used to recognise and reward the unique nature of employment as an ADF member.

The federation has made the ADF aware of the shortcomings it sees in the draft WRA. It will be interesting to see if any of the federation’s suggestions are incorporated before the matter is presented to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal on November 1 for determination.

• To contact the Armed Forces Federation phone (02) 6260 5100 or 1800 806861 or send an e-mail to Arffa@bigpond.com

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