Bulletin 3 - negotiations update - issued 21 May 2026
It is important that you are kept informed of the progress of bargaining, and I am pleased to report that negotiations have been productive. Weekly meetings have been held between the Single Bargaining Unit (SBU) and bargaining representatives since the commencement of negotiations on 18 March 2026.
Constructive discussions have taken place between all parties which have been focused on better understanding the SBUs log of claims which has now been finalised, and discussing the Power and Water Corporation and employer proposals.
A number of claims raised are operational in nature and Power and Water are already working with business units to identify opportunities for improvement where possible.
Proposals that I wish to be considered as part of package consistent with the Wages Policy includes:
- A 4-year agreement to provide certainty and security of conditions, with an expiry date of 15 July 2030.
- A focus on attraction and retention with initiatives that provide greater flexibility for the workforce.
- New and improved leave provisions and conditions that align with the Northern Territory Public Sector 2025–2029 Enterprise Agreement as follows:
- supporting living organ donor leave – re-credit of leave in line with national scheme
- leave to engage in voluntary emergency management activities – expanded to cover preparation and planning (not just response and recovery)
- compassionate leave – provision to allow access to compassionate leave if on approved recreation leave (re-credit recreation leave).
- personal leave – to include attendance at medical appointments (certificates of attendance to be treated as medical certificates)
- blood donor leave – expanded to include plasma
- diversity and disability in the workplace – new clause to recognise and support these identified groups
- health and safety– include provision to prevent and address psychosocial risks in the workplace.
- Long service leave and community language allowance provisions to be brought into the agreement.
- A range of new or improved clauses providing clarity to PWC conditions, including MyPlan performance achievement provisions, recall from leave, and use of surveillance.
- Consideration of technical coordinator and system operator annualised salary arrangements.
- Align/improve/review clauses in line with the Fair Work Act 2009 and Northern Territory Public Sector Enterprise Award 2016, to reflect recent changes including:
- right to disconnect
- management of change
- union rights (representative rights)
- individual flexibility arrangements
- fixed period employment.
Next steps
The parties will continue to work constructively on considering claims and refining proposals to ensure that an offer for a new agreement is made prior to the expiry of the current agreement in July.
Once a proposed package is finalised you will receive further information outlining the details and the next steps.
Have your say – your feedback is important
Should you wish to provide feedback or make a suggestion, you can do so by email to enquiries.ocpe@nt.gov.au.
More information
Regular updates in relation to the bargaining process will be posted on this website.
Information on bargaining in general can be obtained from the Fair Work Commission website or you can contact their information line 1300 799 675.
Nicole Hurwood
Commissioner for Public Employment