With the inflation rate expected to climb to 7.75%, wages have been at the top of the country's agenda.

Southern Cross University has today proposed pay increases of 9 to 10.5 per cent over the next three years for staff, as part of its ongoing discussions on a new Enterprise Agreement. 

The proposed salary increases will apply to all employees, including casual employees. 

In addition to the above salary increases, the new Enterprise Agreement proposal includes an immediate one-off $750 payment for all staff, including casuals, upon the commencement of the agreement.  

The increases noted above are achieved through a combination of percentage-based pay increases and salary scale uplift payments which will see Southern Cross employees earn an extra 9% to 10.5% depending on their base rate. 

The pay offer has been designed to ensure staff with lower base salaries and casual staff proportionally receive the greatest growth in their take-home pay.

Summary of salary proposal:

Southern Cross’s Vice-Chancellor Tyrone Carlin said he was confident this would ensure employees were being offered a package that reflects the fair and positive working conditions that Southern Cross University prioritises. 

“We are pleased to come to these discussions with an employee benefits proposal that reflects our commitment to reaching an agreement that offers all of our people benefits and remuneration that are sustainable, fair, and reflect the value that they bring to our institution. 

“Increasing salaries across all staff, including casual employees, is an important part of that benefits package,” he said. 

The proposed University agreement includes elements such as:

•         Unchanged “flex time” arrangements

•         17.5% annual leave loading

•         17% superannuation for Continuing and Fixed-Term employees

•         Additional week of secondary carer’s leave (Partner Leave - now 3 weeks)

•         Additional superannuation entitlements for new parents

•         Three days of special leave for well-being and cultural purposes

•         Incremental progression through salary band

The salary increases will take effect once staff endorse the new agreement and it is approved and registered by the Fair Work Commission.