Catholic Agreement

Why is the process of seeking the approval of staff necessary?
The Workplace Relations Act requires that the Agreement must be approved by a valid majority of the employees covered by the Agreement. 

What is meant by a valid majority?
This means 50% + 1 of employees who are to be bound by the Agreement. The vote then is tallied on a state-wide basis.

Who can vote?
All staff covered by the Agreement, employed at the time, who attend the meeting are entitled to vote. This includes full-time, part-time, relieving and replacement employees, whether or not they are members of the union.

When should the vote take place?
In the last week of term 3. That way, there is sufficient time for employers to meet their obligations under the Workplace Relations Act to provide relevant information to employees. They need to fix the date and time of the meeting at least a week prior to the vote, and let staff know by posting the relevant notice on the staff noticeboard.

Does a part-time employee who works in more than one school, have a vote in each school?
Yes. An employee has a right to vote in each of his/her workplaces to be covered by the Agreement if present at the meeting.

Can staff vote to accept some of the clauses only?
No; the Agreement must be voted on as a whole and accepted or rejected as a whole.

How do staff vote?
The parties have agreed that the vote can most expediently take place by a show of hands of those present at the meeting.

Will proxy votes be allowed?
The meeting to vote should be scheduled at a time aimed at maximising employee attendance. There is no legal requirement to provide for proxy voting. Schools wishing to allow proxies should ensure that staff carrying proxy votes for other staff members have written authorisation from these members.

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