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Cadets
from TS Manoora looked impressive recently during a tri-Service
parade in Taree, NSW.
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NO,
the Armed Forces Federation did not die and go to heaven.
We are alive and still kicking, but we were missing in action
for a while and are pleased the Service newspapers have decided
to resurrect our column so we can resume the provision of independent
and unfiltered views on ADF conditions of service.
And, with the replacement pay arrangements on the horizon, it
could not have come at a better time.
The dust is yet to settle since release of the consultation draft
of the proposed ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) 2004-2006
and ADF road shows are still being conducted to spread the word
about the new deal and gauge members’ views.
That brings us to the first point: that is, the continued denial
for ADF personnel covered by the Arrangement to have the right
to vote and insisting the chain of command be used as the primary
mechanism to provide feedback to management before presenting
this matter to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT)
for endorsement.
Feedback and acceptance by members is fundamental to any remuneration
process but what has always concerned the Federation is the degree
of uncertainty surrounding such acceptance and whether the chain
of command is an appropriate mechanism to measure this. We say
it is not.
There is only one way to be certain that the majority of ADF personnel
accept what is put to them and that is by allowing them to vote
on the WRA.
We understand there will be some strong opposition against voting
with a preference to continue with the status quo. There also
seems to be an unrealistic perception that a “no” vote
(if that was to occur) would undermine command relationships.
Unit commanders and the majority of ADF personnel with rank on
their arms and shoulders do not put the WRA together in the first
place.
So, how and why would a vote of “no” undermine command?
If it was good enough for the star ranks to vote on their pay
arrangement last year, why can’t the same courtesy be extended
to the rank and file?
The Federation put the forgoing to the CDF when we last met with
him on September 24 and while we respected each others views,
we agreed to disagree on this aspect of the WRA process.
We will have a bit more to say on the proposed Arrangement after
further assessment of its content and having considered the views
of our membership.
The Armed Forces Federation of Australia can be contacted on (02)
6260 5100, 1800 806861 or Arffa@bigpond.com.
