PSA News – 2 December 2014

No extra claims case

The capacity of the PSA to run matters in the Industrial Relations Commission on behalf of members is currently on the line in a case before a Full Bench of the Commission.

The NSW Government is attempting to force the Industrial Relations Commission to include a no extra claims clause in each of our awards that have been varied this year to pass on the 2.27% pay increase.

If successful, the clause may be used to prevent the PSA from pursing certain matters on behalf of members covered by those awards.

The hearing for the no extra claims matter took place on 27 November 2014.

The PSA argued that the compulsory inclusion of such clauses is not required by the Industrial Relations Act and so should not be included.

The PSA is expecting a decision on this matter late in 2014 or early 2015.

A separate hearing regarding the inclusion of a no extra claims clause in the recently completed RMS Award is being heard on 16 December 2014.

In recognition of the on-going attack by this Government on the powers of the Commission, the PSA has reorganised its resources so that there can be a stronger focus on organising member strength.

Thank you for your applications

In March of this year the PSA established the Member Support Centre (MSC).

This significant change to the way the union does business was critical in order to assist members facing the Government’s massive and continuous changes to employment arrangements.

In addition to the MSC, it was determined the union would benefit from having additional staff with a contemporary understanding of the impact of these significant changes.

Accordingly, in September, the PSA advertised several positions amongst its membership.

This was done on the basis that if suitable applicants could not be found the positions would be advertised more broadly.

As expected, the standard of applicants was very high and we are pleased to announce that members from TAFE, Legal Aid, Corrective Services and the Public Service Commission have now commenced or will soon be starting work with the PSA.

Thanks to all those who applied.

Assignment to Roles – PSA response

Further to our last email on the draft assignment to role guidelines please find below the PSA’s most recent response to the Public Service Commission HERE