TAFE Voting on taking Protected Action

TAFE voting on taking Protected Action – March 2016 (PDF version)

IMPORTANT – PSA members required to formally vote on taking Protected Industrial Action

Recently, the PSA invited members to participate in a survey on whether they would support industrial action in defence of your current working conditions. The results of that survey are clear with over 90% of respondents prepared to take industrial action.

Before PSA members can undertake any form of protected industrial action, the Fair Work Commission requires the PSA to undergo a formal ballot of its members called a Protected Action Ballot.

It is extremely important that all members vote in this ballot.

What is a Protected Action Ballot?

Protected Action Ballots are secret ballots giving PSA members a chance to vote on whether they want to initiate protected industrial action. Non-members do not get a vote.

For a Protected Action Ballot to authorise industrial action:

• At least 50% of eligible members MUST vote

• More than 50% of those who voted MUST approve the industrial action

Does voting yes mean we have to take industrial action?

Voting Yes in a Protected Action Ballot does not bind members to taking industrial action. Voting yes simply allows members the option of taking industrial action that is protected by law, should the need arise.

When will the ballot open?

The ballot will open on Thursday 24 March at 9:00am and will close Friday 1 April at 10:00am.

How to vote

On the opening day of the ballot, all financial PSA members will receive an electronic ballot about taking protected industrial action as part of our campaign to win a fairer agreement.

The PSA recommends members vote YES to all questions.

How will I receive my ballot?

The vote will be conducted electronically. The Australian Election Company will send you an email and/or text message (depending what current details you have provided to the PSA) on the morning that the ballot opens.

What else do I need to vote?

You will need your PSA membership number to participate in the protected action ballot.

There are a number of ways to confirm your PSA membership number.

1. Check your email from the PSA

Before the ballot opens, the PSA will email you with your membership number

2. Find it on your membership card

When you joined the PSA you were issued with a membership card. Your membership number can be found on the card.

3. Contact us

Call the Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679 to confirm your membership number.

I have my ballot and my membership number, what next?

It’s time to login to vote. Start by clicking on the link sent to you by the Australian Election Company by email or SMS.

The PSA recommends you vote YES to all questions.

I didn’t get my electronic ballot, what do I do?

If you have not received your electronic ballot by Thursday 24 March call the Australian Election Company ballot agent Richard Kidd on 1800 224 420 or email