NSW Police Radio update on meal and crib breaks dispute – August 2017 (PDF version)

As members are aware, VKG delegates and the PSA have had multiple meetings with management around the implementation of 50/20 meal crib breaks. We raised concerns about the effect such changes would have on fatigue management and morale, as well arguing that they had no right to simply overturn more than
20 years of custom and practice.

We offered a compromise that would have seen 60-minute meal breaks retained and crib breaks reduced to 20 minutes. It was refused. We offered a compromise to potentially agree with implementation if concrete offers could be made around a minimum staffing agreement and increased employment of full-time staff. It was refused.

Management forged ahead with implementation anyway and, by all accounts, the result has been chaotic and detrimental to the workforce, as the PSA predicted. Members have contacted us from all across the state furious about the change and the constant erosion of conditions at VKG.

After surveying members in the last couple of months from across all centres, the sentiment is clear – we will not accept these new break times. Delegates from VKG State-wide will hold discussions over the weekend to finalise a plan of action. Members will be advised on Monday of the PSA’s proposed action.

The PSA is your voice in the workplace. Not a member? JOIN today!