CSIRO boffins stage pay protest

Leading Australian scientists have staged a nationwide protest in their battle for better pay and conditions.

CSIRO staff across several sites nationally staged stop-work action to protest against what they say is a substandard offer on pay and consultation provisions.

The CSIRO Staff Association claims the organisation's executive is taking an unproductive approach to bargaining.

Staff Association president, Michael Borgas, said his members felt they were being ignored and had no choice but to show their dissatisfaction through industrial action.

"This year is the first time in living memory staff have taken industrial action, but the way we are being treated has left us with no choice," Dr Borgas said.

Scientists at the national science and research centre are pushing for a 4.6 per cent pay rise while the CSIRO executive has offered increases of between 3.25 and 3.75 per cent annually.

Members of the association voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action after a protected action ballot last month.

They are also angry they are not able to have adequate input of decisions made by the CSIRO executive, including on research directions.

"Adding to this frustration is the substandard offer on pay, making it harder for the CSIRO to attract and retain staff," Dr Borgas said.

"We cannot remain a world-class nation in science if we do not treat our scientists with respect."

Nearly 200 people attended simultaneous protests in Melbourne and Canberra on Tuesday between 4pm and 6pm (AEST) but it was unclear how many had attended in other states and territories.

A CSIRO spokesman said it was hoped the Staff Association would take notice of the fact that "the vast majority of staff took no action and they make efforts to resolve this matter soon".

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