Scene Two: Negotiating Alone
Actors:
Dave, Sean.
Setting:
Naturally Baking Limited – Dave’s office.
[ Sean knocks on the door. ]
Dave
Hi Sean, come on in.
[ Sean enters. ]
Sean
Morning Dave.
Dave
Have a seat.
[ Sean and Dave sit. ]
Dave
What can I do for you Sean?
Sean
I want to talk about this employment contract, Dave.
Dave
Sure. My door is always open for discussion. They’re called employment agreements now. It’s more important nowadays that workers and bosses agree on working conditions.
What’s troubling you?
Sean
Well Dave, I want to negotiate some better conditions.
Dave
Well, first I need to tell you that the National Distribution Union has contacted me on behalf of some of the workers here doing the same work as you. They may want to negotiate a collective agreement. If they do, you would have the right to join that union and the collective agreement covering our staff. You may want to contact them to discuss it with them. Here is the Union Organiser’s name and contact details if you do.
[ Dave gives Sean a business card. ]
If you join the NDU you’d be bound by the collective employment agreement here, not your individually negotiated agreement. And any new workers would, for the first 30 days of their employment, have the same terms and conditions as are in the collective agreement, as if the employee were a member of the union.
Sean
I’m not interested in joining a union. I want to continue negotiating my own agreement.
Actually, I want to increase my salary to $30,000, and become permanent. I also want 25 days annual leave and 10 days sick leave.
Dave
That’s quite a bit more than others get.
Sean
I know, but I think I’m worth more. I think getting my bonus in 6 months instead of 12 months would be a darn good idea – and I’m interested in getting some industry training.
Dave
Well, it’s good you’ve thought about all this and you’re laying your cards on the table!
Unfortunately, we are only a very small company and we just can’t afford all of your wish list. It’s is a competitive market and we are just starting to make our way, but there are some very strong Australian competitors that we need to keep ahead of. We can only do that by keeping our costs down so that our products stay competitive. If we change your conditions then everyone else will want the same and we simply can’t afford that expense at this point.
Sean
Well, I think I am worth more than I’m getting – and I could get more down the road you know. I came here because it’s a friendly workplace and my dad is a friend of Pieter’s uncle, but I have to pay the bills like everyone else and with the cost of petrol my pay doesn’t go as far as it used to.
Dave
Oh I agree Sean. You are a good worker. We all have to satisfy the bank manager, though, and I notice there is not a big shift in the Consumer Price Index, which is what pay negotiations are usually guided by. I wonder if I could propose a counter offer for you to consider?
Sean
Sure, I’m listening.
Dave
Okay… what about we look at giving you a $500 bonus once you’ve been here six months, and look at it again after a year. That gives you $500 in your hand a lot sooner. We could review whether we can make you permanent at that time too. As you know, your agreement is fixed for one year to give the company time to get established within the market, but we could review that after six months.
Sean
So far so good… What’s the catch?
Dave
Well, we can’t increase your salary at this point. We are in the middle of a benchmarking exercise to see how comparable our pay rates are within the industry. After that, we may be in a position to offer you more, but it’ll also depend on how well our sales are going. You can’t get blood out of a stone Sean!
Sean
But BakeRight are already paying their workers $30,000. I could get that tomorrow!
Dave
Look, I heard on the grapevine that BakeRight may be struggling. If they go belly up they won’t be able to offer their workers anything, will they?
I see us as being in a partnership with our workers. We work together to keep the company viable and growing. In return, we offer you a share in the profits through your employment package.
You can’t look at salary alone, you know. You need to consider all your conditions, the working environment and your boss when you judge the overall package.
Sean
Well, I need to think about this because I am not very happy with it.
If we put the salary aside for now, what about increasing my annual and sick leave and getting some industry training?
Dave
We increased your holidays from three to four weeks a while ago. I don’t see how we can increase it again so soon. If the other workers see you getting more leave they’ll all want it and our productivity will take a dive.
Sean
Come on Dave, I’m not stupid! The change in the Holidays Act came into force then anyway! Everyone’s entitled to four weeks. Also, productivity increases when staff have access to good refreshment breaks and well-spaced holidays.
Dave
I can see you’ve done your homework Sean. Well, we can shift on the sick leave to 10 days, but I would need to discuss the annual leave with Ariana and Pieter as it has wider implications for the company. I’ll also look into the industry training for you and see what is available. How about we meet again this time next week? That gives you some time to seek independent advice before you sign anything. Have you rung the Department of Labour’s info-line or had a look at their website?
Sean
Yeah, I’ve seen their website and got some tips. Cool, thanks Dave – see you next week.
Dave
A pleasure Sean, thanks for coming to see me.
[ Shaking hands. ]
