Following meetings with members earlier in the year and the feedback received, the CPSU NSW has finalised the drafting of the Western Sydney University Professional Staff Agreement 2026 with member endorsement. The university has now issued this version for vote.
The seven-day access period began on Monday 20 July, and members are encouraged to review the Agreement before the ballot opens.
Voting period
In line with the Fair Work Act 2009, the university has formally notified all eligible staff. Voting on the new Agreement will be open from 9:00am Monday 27 July to 4:00pm Wednesday 29 July. As members endorsed the final draft, CPSU NSW is calling on Professional Staff to vote YES.
Pay increases
These are the pay increases secured across the life of the Agreement:
- 2 per cent payable in the first full pay period in March 2026 (already paid)
- 1.5 per cent payable in the first full pay period in September 2026
- 3.5 per cent payable in the first full pay period in September 2027
- 3.5 per cent payable in the first full pay period in September 2028
- 3.5 per cent payable in the first full pay period in September 2029
- 2.92 per cent calculated from 1 January 2030 and payable in the first full pay period in January 2030
Other union wins
The CPSU NSW also secured important improvements that strengthen professional staff conditions, protections, and voice at work, including:
- Separate agreements for Professional and Academic Staff Professional Staff will continue to vote on their own conditions: your voice, your rules.
- Clearer flexible work and leave provisions Flexible hours, parental leave and personal leave provisions have been clarified, with flexible work arrangements now properly defined and separated.
- Improved misconduct procedures Clearer guidelines will support more consistent, transparent and fair processes.
- Improved change management clauses Strengthened provisions provide clearer processes and better protections during workplace change.
- Increased union delegate leave Expanded leave entitlements will help delegates represent and support members more effectively.
How to vote
The ballot will be conducted online and independently administered by Elections Australia. Eligible staff will receive a voting link and instructions shortly before the ballot opens.
Vote YES to lock in our wins
This Agreement delivers member-endorsed pay increases and important improvements to professional staff conditions. CPSU NSW encourages members to read the Agreement and vote YES when the ballot opens on Monday 27 July 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact your CPSU NSW industrial staff.