Ah the unions bless 'em. For 30 years I was a fully paid up believer, loved being called "comrade" and was forever grateful that apparently they fought hard and won all my work conditions.
Then came the agreement period of LK, LJ and AWA....I think the LK is the "certified" agreement that the unions favour (could be the other way around).
I remember working in the government with one of the larger agencies during EBA time. Usual ambit claims from both sides and a final pay increase was offered as well as it being covered by an LK agreement (no union ascent needed). CPSU fought on all counts for a no vote and succeeded the first time. Dragged on for 12 months and in the end we won a smaller payrise, worked increased hours and lost a picnic day. Got a yes vote as everyone had a gutful. Why did that happen, because the CPSU wanted that LJ agreement, got it and abandoned trying to improve pay and gave away some conditions. They actually said that it was "as good as we will get". Now if that was an employer behaving like that.......
Then we found out active CPSU membership in our agency was 18%. Vocal minority wanting to dictate terms. I cancelled almost immediately and never went back, not long after I voted ALP for the last time.
Too much "I want what you have so give it to me".
Oh and re payscales, fill your boots....
https://www.payscale.com/research/AU...stralia/Salary