Department of Corrective Services
POVB Bulletin

Industrial Action at the MRRC June 2015 (PDF version)

On Tuesday 26 May, the General Manager of the MRRC, without warning, summarily removed three members of the IAT from their duties. This removal from IAT was immediate and permanent. Members report the General Manager cited “rumours that indicated misconduct”.

The Sub-Branch commenced a meeting during their meal break, and subsequently voted to commence a 24-hour stoppage as a show of support for the three officers and in protest to the actions of the General Manager.

CSNSW sought the assistance of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission by lodging a Section 132 dispute (IRC2015/319). The Matter was listed for urgent compulsory conference before the President Justice Walton on the following day 27 May 2015.

The hearing was well attended by around 25 Officers from the MRRC. The three Officers were also in attendance. The President heard submissions from both parties and sought to have the Sub-Branch return to work prior to continuing to hear the matter. To this end I attended the MRRC where a meeting resolved to return to normal duties.

The President also required the parties meet and attempt to resolve the dispute prior to a report back on Monday 1 June 2015. Delegates from MRRC, State Executive and representatives from the Association had a meeting with the General Manager and CSNSW representatives on Friday 29 May 2015.

With no acceptable outcome from this meeting I was of the view this matter needed to be escalated and the assistance of the Commission sought to have it resolved. On Friday 29 May we lodged a Section 130 dispute seeking Procedural Fairness for the three Officers.

On 1 June 2015 at 10am, we were again in the Commission for report back on matter IRC2015/319 and the commencement of our matter IRC2015/332. The President concluded that 319 be discontinued as there was no further industrial action. The Commission continued directly on with our dispute IRC2015/332. Submissions were presented and then the matter proceeded into private conference. CSNSW then asked for time to consider the recommendation of the President and the President afforded them until 10am 3 June for this purpose.

We will provide further information following the report back and hopefully the conclusion of the matter.

Steve McMahon
Chairman | Prison Officers Vocational Branch