Looking for some advice on how to respond to a contract offer that has surprised me. I will provide the facts as I have them.
I am currently on a 9 month contract which concludes at the end of the month. I’ve been offered a new contract, at a 2 years maximum term. It represents a 15% decrease in salary, and a change in classification from my current EL 1.4 to a 6.4.
I am going from 4 days a week to 3 days a week.
The core duties aren’t substantially different. I’ve wrapped up one project and am taking on another of a similar type, but smaller in scale. I have been given an additional BAU duty. I am required to produce strategy, project manage, manage external agencies, etc - same as my current role. I don’t know at what point (in terms of responsibility) a 6 becomes an EL1, or of there is a clear line that separates the two eg, EL1 has scope to make budgetary decisions, or something similar.
This is my first APS Role and I am not sure how contract negotiations usually occur (if at all).
I was given no heads up of these changes, and am quite surprised at this. While I knew my take home pay would decrease due to working fewer days, I am surprised to see the overall salary and band change as well, with no discussion or heads up.
Can I ask for some advice on what to do next? I want to understand why these changes have been made, but as a newcomer to the APS, I could benefit from the advice or insight of others. Is this normal? Is this an opportunity to negotiate? Is this something to speak to the union about? Should I just accept it and sign? What would you do?
Thanks for your help, I’ve never had a situation like this occur in the private sector, so I am a bit taken aback.