Transport for NSW Shared corporate services reform – March 2017 (PDF version)

Transport Shared Services reforms

The PSA is mindful of the current reforms with Transport Shared Services and the particular thought process driving the transition. TfNSW is not immune to the Government ideology to have an increasing level of transactions via the internet and through self-service interactions as part of the rollout of EQUIP.

TfNSW has made it clear the new structures will seek to build upon those platforms as part of its Tiered Level operations.

The PSA met with TfNSW representatives on Tuesday 28 February as part of the transition process.

In that meeting, the PSA and other unions were provided with an update of the transition and the proposed timeframes for realisation. This material was provided to staff in the briefings and will be rolled out to regional staff the week beginning 6 March.

What are the PSA’s concerns right now?

Considering the amount of lead in time for transition, the PSA would expect TfNSW to attempt to properly skill those staff members as part of the transition to the new structure. There is a considerable knowledge of how the structure will work into the future, so any skill gaps of the organisation could already be identified.

Staff have provided material to the PSA, where their jobs heve changed as part of the transition process. Role descriptions for matching staff could be negatively affected if not updated to reflect the work being done now.

The current delegations are being reviewed as part of the transition, with rationale being to devolve these to lower level managers. With this being done later rather than now, members could face an issue where they may not be able to demonstrate certain capabilities if those delegation functions are devolved.

Ensuring adequate consultation

In any reform such as this, TfNSW is required to consult with employees and their union around the proposed changes. These are outlined under Clause 8 of the Transport for NSW Salaries and Conditions of Employment Award 2016.

It does, however, have the right to restructure and as a result have staff declared excess throughout that process. The PSA is committed to ensuring TfNSW engages in a truly consultative manner, and in particular hold TfNSW to its requirement to “minimise any possible adverse impact on affected employees”. An important way to minimise adverse impacts include TfNSW ensuring affected employees and existing excess employees must be considered for appointment to positions in the new structure before any other employees or external applicants.

What can I do to make sure I can compete?

The PSA advises members they should take a pro-active approach to the transition of Shared Corporate Services.

Questions should be asked of management seeking to understand what will change with respect to your job/branch/structure as part of the reform.

Answers will provide members with an understanding of what skills/capabilities will be required. Ask yourself and your manager how you can demonstrate those skills/capabilities? If you can’t, put them in your PDP. Ask for training and mentoring in those facets that will give you those capabilities.

Look at your current position description/role description

All of the following questions potentially identity how your role has changed:

• Does your PD reflect the work that you do?

• Are there different things that you do?

• Has the job become more complex or have the responsibilities become greater?

• Is this being addressed by management?

The pilot

TfNSW is adopting a pilot of the tiered structure in order to determine the resourcing requirements. The PSA will be watching this process with great interest. This will provide an understanding of the numbers required to provide the service. The PSA understands Expressions of Interest have already been sought for staff to work on this pilot.

What to know more?

• Talk to your delegates.

• Speak to your colleagues about becoming union members.

• Take interest in the operations of the pilot.

• Ask questions of management with respect to your branch and functions.

• The PSA remains committed to providing continual updates to members as part of the transition process.