After a process lasting more than two and a half years, the new AFP Enterprise Agreement (EA2017) was approved by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) yesterday afternoon. A copy of the approved AFP Enterprise Agreement (EA2017) can be found here for your reference.

The new Agreement commences on 24 May 2018, when the first salary increase of 3% will take effect. Last week we learned that the AFP has been required to prepare the payroll system for the production of the end of financial year payment summaries, as required by legislation. We understand the consequence of this is the system may not be changed again before 30 June, and the salary increase cannot be paid until the first pay period of the new financial year, at which time the increases will be backdated to the commencement date.

We appreciate the process of enterprise bargaining has been long-winded, convoluted and frustrating. Your Association has certainly made its thoughts on the process abundantly clear over the course of time and we trust that members appreciate the limitations imposed upon us by the government’s policy position.

Looking ahead to the next Agreement, your Association restates its determination to influence the process to deliver the opportunity for a pay rise on time, on behalf of our members.

We are hopeful that with the new Agreement now approved, we can move beyond what has been a significant distraction for the whole workforce.