CFMEU :: Forestry Division

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CFMEU FOREST AND FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION NATIONAL POLICY ON OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS WAGE AND GRADE STRUCTURE ENDORSED BY THE NATIONAL DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVE 23RD February 1993 INTERNAL OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS WAGE AND GRADE STRUCTURE POLICY

This document sets out the Policy of the CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division on Officers and Officials Wage and Grade Structure for the information of all Staff, Officers, Officials and Members. Included with the Policy is an introduction which provides a background for the reading and application of the Policy. This Policy is binding on all CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division Staff, Officers, Officials and Members. Any queries about the Policy should be directed to either the Branch or National Divisional Office. 1. Introduction Outline of Structure The structure will have 7 levels for the National Office and 7 Levels for the State Branch. For the National Office, Levels 1-3 will be entry level for Specialist Officers and National Industrial Officer Skill Level 1. Levels 4-5 will be skill levels 2 & 3 of the National Industrial Officer. Level 6 will be the elected position of the National Assistant Secretary and Level 7 will be the elected position of the National Secretary. In respect to the State Branch levels, Level 1 will be the entry level. Level 2 – 5 will be for positions such as organisers and specialist positions for the State Branch. Level 6 will be the elected position of the Branch Assistant Secretary and Level 7 will be the elected position of the Branch Secretary. National Office Level 1 Specialist Officer Skill Level 1 Level 2 Specialist Officer Skill Level 2 Level 3 Specialist Officer Skill Level 3 National Industrial Officer Skill level 1 Level 4 National Industrial Officer Skill level 2 Level 5 National Industrial Officer Skill level 3 Level 6 Assistant National Secretary Level 7 National Secretary State Branch Level 1 Entry Level Level 2 } Level 3 } Organisers, Specialist Officers, Research Officer Level 4 } Level 5 } Level 6 Elected position Branch Assistant Secretary Level 7 Elected position Branch Secretary Descriptions for Levels The description for the levels for the State Branch are set out on the following pages: Level 1 62% Pre-Requisites New Entrants must have a demonstrated commitment to the Trade Union Movement. General Description Level 1 is the entry level in which a new officer/employee who does not have the necessary level of knowledge and skills to fill their position immediately will be placed. Level 1 is an introduction level in which new officers/employees will be provided with the opportunity to become familiar with the Union and the industry. New entrants will remain in level 1 for a maximum period of three months. During this period of structured introduction the officer/employee will be provided with regular feedback on their performance, At the end of the period both the officers/employees performance and the effectiveness of the training provided will be evaluated. On the basis of this evaluation a decision will be made on the suitability of the officer to progress to a higher level or to discontinue service with the Union. While in Level 1 the new entrants will undertake a structured induction training programme which will provide them with: A sound understanding of the purpose, structure and philosophy of the CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division; A sound understanding of the structure and operations of the Divisional Branch; A broad knowledge of the Forest and Furnishing Products Industry particularly in areas where the Union has coverage; An awareness of major Union policies; An awareness of the industrial Awards and legislation which apply to working conditions in the Industry; A broad understanding of the conditions covered by the relevant Awards and legislation; A clear understanding of the duties they will be required to perform in their appointed position; A clear understanding of the conditions applying to employment with the Union. Level 2 64% General Description Officers at level 2 will carry out routine duties within the office and basic organising in the field under the guidance of an experienced official. These duties will include office administrative tasks, use of office information and computer systems and assisting experienced officials with organising tasks. They will perform other duties as required by the Branch Secretary or nominee. Knowledge In addition to the knowledge required in level 1, officers at level 2 will require the following: Knowledge of all industrial Awards which apply for members in the Branch; Knowledge of the range of employment conditions covered by relevant Awards; Knowledge of employment related Commonwealth and State legislation; Awareness of Union policies; Knowledge of the structure of the Union at the National, Divisional and Branch levels; Understanding of the role and responsibilities of Union decision making bodies, elected officials and officers at the Branch level; Awareness of the internal procedures of the office. Skills: In addition to the skills required for level 1, the officers at level 2 will be required to have the following: Ability to carry out set tasks in an efficient manner to the standard set; Ability to work under close supervision; Ability to work in a workgroup; Ability to interpret and apply Union policy, the Award and relevant legislation in order to answer routine inquiries; Administrative skills required to perform other functions efficiently; Ability to communicate clearly orally; Ability to write minor reports in a pre-determined format. Level of responsibility Officers at level 2 will operate under close supervision by the Branch Secretary, the Branch Assistant Secretary or their nominee. They will be given clear directions about what duties they will carry out and how they will be carried out. They will be expected to report frequently to the person supervising them on the progress of set tasks. When other than minor problems arise the officer will be expected to discuss them with the relevant senior officer before implementing solutions. Level 3 66% General Description Level 3 officers/employees will carry out organising work of a routine nature, or complete tasks in relation to specialist areas of knowledge and skill to the level of responsibility set out below. Officers at this level will perform a range of the following functions: Worksite visits; Provide advice and assistance to individual members; Monitor compliance of employees with industrial Awards and relevant legislation; Assist shop floor Union representatives to carry out their responsibilities; Organise the participation of shop floor representatives in established Union training courses; Negotiate with employers and managers to obtain benefits for members; Carry out tasks within any specialist areas of knowledge and skill; Complete tasks within work programme developed in conjunction with the Branch Secretary, Branch Assistant Secretary or their nominee; Write reports on activities; Other duties as required by the Branch Secretary or nominee. Knowledge In addition to the knowledge required at level 2, officers at level 3 will require the following knowledge: A thorough knowledge of all industrial Awards and enterprise agreements which apply for members in the Branch; A thorough knowledge of the employment conditions covered by relevant Awards and enterprise agreements; An understanding of the most significant issues covered by employment related Commonwealth and State legislation; Awareness and understanding of National and Branch Union policies; Understanding of the structure of the Union at the National, Divisional and Branch levels; Understanding of the role and responsibilities of Union decision making bodies, elected officials and appointed officers at the National and Branch levels; Broad knowledge of specialist issues affecting members such as health and safety, equal employment opportunity and workers compensation; Sound knowledge of the structure, make-up and dispersal of the industry in the Divisional Branch; Knowledge of Union training courses available; Thorough knowledge of the internal procedures of the office. Skills In addition to the skills required for level 2, level 3 officers will use any of the following range of skills: The ability to work under general supervision; The ability to work effectively as a workgroup member; Administrative skills required to perform other functions effectively; Ability to carry out work according to plan; Negotiation skills; The ability to follow through and complete tasks; The ability to communicate effectively in writing; Effective oral communication skills; The ability to identify appropriate Union training for representatives and members and organise their participation in such training; The ability to apply Union policy; The ability to use relevant Awards and enterprise agreements to extract information on conditions. Level of Responsibility Officers at level 3 will operate under general supervision by the Divisional Branch Secretary, Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary or nominee. They will work within comprehensive office plans setting out priorities and time frames and be responsible for completing tasks to deadlines set out in these plans. They will report frequently to the relevant official on progress of work. Level 3 officers will be responsible for identifying problems and developing solutions in conjunction with the Branch Secretary, Branch Assistant Secretary or nominee. They will then be responsible for implementing agreed solutions. They will be responsible for the quality of their own work within the context of Branch plans, priorities and timeframes. Level 4 69% General Description Level 4 officers/employees will perform extensive organising work or carry out specialist functions to the level of responsibility set out below. Officers at this level will perform a range of the following functions: Carry out campaigns; Complete projects; Plan own work within a given framework or budget; Assist the Branch Secretary or nominee participating in external committee and working parties; Identify the training needs of members and delegates; Write detailed reports and letters; Other duties as required by the Branch Secretary or nominee. Knowledge In addition to the knowledge required for level 3, level 4 officers will require the following knowledge: Thorough knowledge of all industrial Awards and enterprise agreements which apply for members in the Branch and any other relevant Awards; Detailed knowledge of the content of relevant industrial Awards and enterprise agreements; A sound understanding of the application of the most significant matters covered by employment related Commonwealth and State legislation; A sound understanding of and Branch Union policies; Sound understanding of the structure of the Union at the National, Divisional and Divisional Branch levels; Sound understanding of the role and responsibilities of Union decision making bodies, elected officials and officers at the National and Branch levels; Broad knowledge of specialist issues affecting members such as health and safety, equal employment opportunity and workers compensation; Sound knowledge of the structure, make-up and dispersal of the Industry in the Divisional Branch; Thorough knowledge of the internal procedures of the Branch. Skills In addition to the skills required for level 3, level 4 officers will any of the following range of skills: The ability to work under general supervision; The ability to work effectively as a workgroup member; Administrative skills required to perform other functions efficiently; Skills in planning and organising own work; Skills in identifying training needs; Effective oral communication skills; Effective written communication skills; The ability to read, interpret and apply industrial Awards and any relevant legislation; The ability to apply Union policy. Level of Responsibility Officers at this level will work with general supervision from the Branch Secretary, Branch Assistant Secretary or nominee. They will work to office plans for campaigns and projects and within this framework plan and organise their own work. They will refer non-routine matters to the Branch Secretary, Branch Assistant Secretary or nominee for judgement and decision. Level 4 officers will be required to identify problems, develop solutions and implement them after consultation with the Branch Secretary, Branch Assistant Secretary or nominee. Level 4 officers will report regularly to the Branch Secretary or Branch Assistant Secretary on progress in relation to their work programme. Level 5 73% General Description Level 5 officers/employees will perform high level organising work or carry out specialist functions to the level of responsibility set out below. Officers at this level will perform a range of the following functions: Plan and conduct campaigns; Plan and carry out projects; Represent the Branch Secretary on external committees and working parties and in the Industrial Relations Commission; Coordinate the activities of other officers involved in campaigns or projects; Manage and monitor a pre-determined budget allocated for a specific purpose (e.g. campaign); Write extensive reports, submissions and material for members and delegates such as bulletins; Research, provide advice and implement initiatives related to specialist subjects such as industrial and Award matters, health and safety and training and workplace reform; May be required to design and conduct training for other officials, delegates and members; Other duties as required by the Branch Secretary or nominee. Knowledge In addition to the knowledge required for level 4, level 5 officers will require the following knowledge: Thorough knowledge of: All industrial Awards and enterprise agreements which apply for members in the Branch, and any other relevant Awards And/or Specialist issues affecting members such as health and safety, equal employment opportunity and workers compensation; A thorough knowledge of the most significant employment related issues covered by Commonwealth and State legislation; Understanding of the industrial relations system and the operations of the Industrial Relations Commissions (Federal and State); Detailed understanding of National and Branch Union policies; Thorough understanding of the structure of the Union at the National, Divisional and Branch levels; Thorough knowledge of the structure, make-up and dispersal of the industry in the Divisional Branch; Thorough knowledge of the internal procedures of the Union at National and Branch levels. Skills: In addition to those skills required for level 4, level 5 officers will use any of the following range of skills: The ability to work with minimal supervision; The ability to work effectively within a workgroup; The administrative skills required to perform other functions efficiently; The ability to apply Union policy; Planning and organising skills; Skills in research and analysis; Skills in designing, conducting and evaluating training; High level oral communication skills including the ability to consult effectively with others; The ability to develop ideas through to implementation; High level written communication skills; Skills in estimating, managing and monitoring financial expenditure for a specific purpose (e.g. campaign or project). Level of Responsibility Officers at this level will work under broad direction from the Branch Secretary or Branch Assistant Secretary. They will be responsible for planning their own work within a framework set by the Branch Management Committee and the Branch Secretary. They will be expected to exercise judgement in referring matters to the Branch Secretary. They will be required to develop ideas and initiate and carry out projects within their function. They must be able to deal effectively with new and unusual situations. They will be required to identify problems, develop appropriate solutions and implement them. At times they will be responsible for the quality of their own work and be expected to initiate discussion with the Branch Secretary where quality standards cannot be met due to external influences. Officers at level 5 will arrange reporting requirements with the Branch Secretary as required by the nature of their work. Level 6 85% This is the elected position of the Branch Assistant Secretary. The duties of this position are set out in Rule 48, of the Rules of the CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division. The duties of this position as they appear in the Rules are set out below: (a) The Divisional Branch Assistant Secretary/ies shall be under the control of the Divisional Branch Management Committee and the Divisional Branch Executive Committee and shall, under the direction and authority of the Divisional Branch Secretary, carry out all responsibilities allocated to the position. (b) The Assistant Secretary shall in the absence of the Divisional Branch Secretary, fulfil the office and perform the duties of the Divisional Branch Secretary. (c) The Assistant Secretary shall attend meetings of the Divisional Branch Management Committee, Divisional Branch Executive and other meeting called by the Divisional Branch Management Committee or Divisional Branch Executive Committee. Level 7 100% This is the elected position of the Divisional Branch Secretary. The duties of this position are set out in Rule 48 of the Rules of the CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division. The duties of this position as they appear in the Rules are set out below: (a) The Divisional Branch Secretary shall be under the control of the Divisional Branch Management Committee and shall be employed in a full time capacity, and shall among other things conduct correspondence in connection with all industrial matters and in general administration of the Divisional Branch. (b) The Divisional Branch Secretary shall be responsible for the enforcement of all Awards and Industrial Agreements and shall supervise the conduct of all wages claims, compensation matters and legal matters coming within the jurisdiction of the Divisional Branch Management Committee or Divisional Branch Executive Committee. (c) The Divisional Branch Secretary shall prepare and forward to the Industrial Registrar returns as required by law. (d) The Divisional Branch Secretary shall prepare the agenda for and minutes of each Divisional Branch Management Committee and Executive meeting; and shall attend meetings of the Divisional Branch Management Committee, Divisional Branch Executive Committee and other meetings called by the Divisional Branch Management Committee or Divisional Branch Executive Committee. (e) Be in charge of the office and subject to rule 42 shall direct the labours of the officials and employees of the Union. (f) Keep a correct account of all monies received and expended. (g) Countersign all cheques and warrants and attach the official seal thereto. (h) Be permitted to hold petty cash to the amount of $500.00. (i) Be paid incidental and travelling expenses. (j) Generally conduct all financial transactions of the Branch. (k) Draw up a report and balance sheet, to be submitted to the Divisional Branch Management Committee as directed, and submit the books and accounts annually to the auditors. (l) Keep a record of the names and addresses of all members of the Union, the names, addresses and occupations of all officers of the Branch, with dates when they were admitted, died or left, their financial position in the Union and all other particulars necessary to enable the Rules to be enforced. (m) Receive all monies, and pay same into such Bank as the Divisional Branch Management Committee May direct, to the credit of the Union within seven (7) days after the receipt of same. (n) When vacating office, deliver to the successor in office, in the presence of the Divisional Branch Management Committee or Executive, all books, documents and other property of the Divisional Branch in the Divisional Branch Secretary's possession. (o) Produce for audit at least once a year, and at such other times as the Divisional Branch Management Committee May direct, all books and documents of the Divisional Branch appertaining to finance. (p) Forward to the Divisional Secretary when requested a true copy of the minutes of each meeting of the Divisional Branch Management Committee or Executive or any special meeting thereof. (q) In consultation with the Divisional Branch President be authorised to convene any extraordinary meeting as deemed necessary. (r) The Divisional Branch Secretary shall be ex officio member of all committees of the Divisional Branch. (s) The Divisional Branch Secretary shall be an elected delegate to Divisional Conference by virtue of the Divisional Branch Secretary Office. 2. Structure of Wage Rates Set out below is the Wage Rate Structure for the CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division National Office and the Divisional State Branch. In the lists set out below are the wage levels for the National Office and State Branch. The National Office levels are expressed as a percentage of the wage of the National Secretary, who represents 100% at level 7 of the National Office structure of wage rates. The State Branch levels are expressed as a percentage of the State Branch Secretary, who represents 100% at level 7 of the State Branch structure of wage rates. It was recommended by the National Conference in 1991 that the Branch Secretary wage level be established at 82% of the National Secretary. National Office State Branch Level 7 100% 100% Level 6 85% 85% Level 5 81% 73% Level 4 77% 69% Level 3 73% 66% Level 2 69% 64% Level 1 64% 62% CFMEU Forest & Furnishing Products National Office Description for Levels The description for the levels of the National Office are set out on the following pages: Level 1 64% Specialist Officer Skill level 1 Level 2 69% Specialist Officer Skill Level 2 Level 3 73% This level represents Specialist Officer Skill Level 3 & National Industrial Officer Skill Level 1. National Industrial Officer Skill Level 1 General Description This skill level allows employees to enter the field of National Industrial work and requires the employee to, after a reasonable period of time, operate competently in the field of Industrial Relations at a basic level. Duties at this level are as outlined in the duty statement for the National Industrial Officer as determined by the National Secretary. Employees at this level are expected to be able to display the following competencies: Knowledge Federal Industrial Relations legislation Interaction of State and Federal legislation Australian Industrial Relations Commission All relevant processes of the Australian Industrial Relations Awards and their application Conditions of employment, National Standards and the conditions in the Industry Union rights Functions and operation of employer bodies Industrial law publications, general IR publications Union policies, values and priorities. Skills and Abilities The employee needs to be able to; Apply Federal Industrial Relations legislation to assist the organisation to achieve its goals; Represent the organisation in all types of hearings and procedures before the Australian Industrial Relations Commission; Initiate, respond and present all types of cases in the Australian Industrial Relations Commission utilising and complying with all relevant processes of the commission; Apply conditions of employment, National Standards and the conditions in the Industry; Enforce Union rights; Understand the functions and operation of employer bodies Industrial law publications, general IR publications Apply Union policies, values and priorities Advise Branches the application of Industrial law, common law and the Federal Industrial Relations Court in lay persons terms; Advise Branches of Awards and their application Skills, responsibilities, abilities, or be able to apply Level 4 77% National Industrial Officer Skill Level 2 General Description This skill level requires in addition to the duties of the National Industrial Officer Skill Level 1 that employees are to take on greater responsibilities and are expected to be able to carry out Industrial Relations activities of a higher and greater complexity than that of National Industrial Officer Level 1. Duties of this skill level are as outlined in the duty statement for National Industrial Officer as determined by the National Secretary. Level 5 81% National Industrial Officer Skill Level 3 General Description This skill level requires in addition to the duties of National Industrial Officer Skill Level 2, that employees take on an active role in the management of the organisation, display and apply judgement in the application of the Forest and Furnishing Products Division Policy and participate in the decisiion making forums of the organisation. Duties of this skill level are as outlined in the duty statement for the National Industrial Officer as determined by the National Secretary. Level 6 85% This is the elected position of the National Divisional Assistant Secretary. The duties of this position are set out in Rule 13, of the Rules of the CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division. The duties of this position as they appear in the Rules are set out below: (a) The Divisional Assistant Secretary(s) shall perform all duties assigned by the Divisional Executive. The Divisional Assistant Secretary(s) shall be under the control of the Divisional Secretary and shall attend meetings of the Divisional Executive, Divisional Conference and National Executive. The Divisional Assistant Secretary may exercise any and all of the powers and duties of the Divisional Secretary on the delegation of the Divisional Secretary and shall exercise such powers and duties while the Divisional Secretary is absent from duty. Level 7 100% This is the elected position of the National Divisional Secretary. The duties of this position are set out in Rule 13 of the Rules of the CFMEU Forest and Furnishing Products Division. The duties of this position as they appear in the Rules are set out below: (a) The Divisional Secretary shall summon all meetings of the Divisional Conference and Divisional Executive, issue all necessary notices to members of the Divisional Conference or Divisional Executive or to Divisional Branches in connection with such meetings. (b) The Divisional Secretary shall sign all cheques in addition to one of the Trustees and shall be signatory to all documents on behalf of the Division. (c) The Divisional Secretary shall be responsible for the general correspondence of the Division, Divisional finance, filing of documents for the Division, industrial returns that are required to be made by the Division and the carrying out of decisions made by the Divisional Conference or Divisional Executive or by the National Conference or National Executive. (d) The Divisional Secretary shall have the power, subject to decisions of the Divisional Executive or Divisional Conference, to appoint, control and dismiss the clerical, research and accountancy staff of the Divisional Office. (e) The Divisional Secretary shall have prepared a properly audited financial statement of receipts and payments and all the funds and effects of the Divisional Office, together with a statement of the assets and liabilities of the Divisional Office for the year ending 31st December in each year. (f) Such financial statement to be made available to Divisional Conference, Executive, National Conference, National Executive, National Secretary and Divisional Branches of this Division. (g) The Divisional Secretary shall have the authority to initiate any proceedings and/or actions to advance or defend the interests or objectives of the Division. (h) The Divisional Secretary shall carry out such other functions as shall be determined from time to time by the Divisional Executive or Divisional Conference and allocate the duties to Officers. (i) The Divisional Secretary shall be an ex-officio member of all Divisional Branch Committees, but shall not be entitled to vote in respect of the decisions of those committees.