Service NSW monthly bulletin – March 2019 (PDF version)
It’s been a busy month in the PSA for Service NSW. We have been out and about talking to you, working with delegates and advocating for your rights to ensure that your voice is heard.
Unpaid Overtime Campaign.
As of Feb we have had 112 responses to the unpaid overtime campaign survey. This is a fantastic result and we thank everyone that has been able to do it. If you haven’t done it yet, please do it soon, as it will be closing on the 25th of March. If you have done it, ask your colleagues to do it (you can even forward this email!).
The results of this survey will be used to dictate the way in which the campaign moves forward. It will be kept completely anonymous, however if you have any concerns please contact your Organisers Mel at or Kirra at . It is also welcome to members and non-members to fill in.
The Survey can be found HERE.
We would also suggest to our members in the meantime that you should keep track of the following details:
- Date:
- Time Started set up:
- Time Rostered Start”
- Did you get your 10 minute break: yes/no
- Time Rostered end:
- Actual end time:
Save The State, Change the Government
Did you know that the NSW Liberal Government has sold off nearly $70 Billion worth of assets? Those are organisations that provide essential services to the people of NSW, that are now delivered by profit rather than service. The threat of privatisation looming over Service NSW, the wage cap barely hitting what’s needed to keep up with the cost of living in NSW, loss of jobs in regional NSW because of the efficiency dividend and requirement to save more than 12% over 4 years, are just some of the things this government has implemented in its time.
The State election is on the 23rd of March. This is your chance to save the state, save the NSW Public Service, and save the support systems that are in place to benefit every Australian equally. Think about what state you would like NSW to be? A state that spends $2.1 Billion (and counting) on a light rail through Sydney that hasn’t been finished yet? A state that will knock down a perfectly fine stadium instead of investing in regional education and healthcare? A state that privatises public services, including those that made an annual profit (such as the Land Titles Office)?
If you are interested in helping us Save the State, please contact your delegate or organiser, and talk to your friends and family about the government and their role in delivering public services.
You can see the add for our campaign HERE.
Keep an eye out for billboards and radio ads across the state.
PSA WIN at the Newcastle Contact Centre
At the Newcastle Contact Centre PSA members recently had a win. Previously they had been directed to clean and move desks outside of their paid hours. Local management were insistent that this didn’t classify as overtime, even though they were directing staff to perform duties outside of their normal rostered hours. Local management refused any advice from our local delegate, however with further intervention from the PSA and the delegates, members were paid the overtime they were entitled to. While this might seem like a small win, it still shows that with a strong membership, and active delegates, there can be positive outcomes for members (including being paid overtime!)
Young Workers Group
Are you 35 years old or younger? The PSA has set up a young workers group in order to represent you, and give further support. We know that this might be the first union job that you’ve had, and so we have set up this group to both offer a mentor program, as well as to help advise the PSA on issues that particularly affect young people. We also run specific training as well as more social events if you’re interested in that. If you are keen on getting involved, we have a Facebook group set up which you can join HERE
International Women’s Day
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day. This is a day of historical significance where we recognise and celebrate the women of history and everything they’ve done for us, as well as recognise how far we have to go. The PSA has a large significant history in the women’s rights movement, from our campaign to ensure that women got paid equally (it was previously legislated that women could only receive 50% of what a man earnt), and that women were able to continue working in the public service once they had gotten married (can you believe that this wasn’t always the case?!). More recently, the PSA was the first union to introduce a paid domestic violence leave clause (5 days in 2011) and recently won 10 days paid domestic violence leave.
International Women’s Day is on the 8th of March – Keep an eye out in your email for some posters which we ask you take some pictures with! If you do take any please forward them to or
On the 9th of March there will be a Rally at North Hyde Park from 11am The PSA will be there with our flags, so feel free to march with us on that day.
Your Delegates
If you have any issues or problems please feel free to contact your local delegate. If your centre doesn’t have a delegate, or you’re interested in getting involved, please contact or
- Janice Hartmann – Newcastle Contact Centre
- Robbie Gratton – Newcastle Contact Centre
- Josh Allen – Newcastle Contact Centre
- Susan Townsend – Liverpool Service Centre
- Kieren Streat – Driver Tester Pool
If you have any individual issues please contact the Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679
Mate’s not a member?
It’s only the second month of the year, so it’s not too late to join your union! Have a chat to your workmates about the PSA, ask if they’re a member, and if not, ask them to get involved! The Union is only as strong as its members, and so we can do more for you if there are more members in your workplace. Not only will you be making sure your workmates are supported and protected, you’re also making sure our fight for your rights is stronger.
Go to https://psa.asn.au/join/ and JOIN TODAY!
PSA Visits
Our Metropolitan and Regional Organisers are always keen to visit members and we conduct regular visits to both Service and Contact Centres throughout the year. For members interested in having a visit or becoming more involved with the PSA please contact PSA Organisers Mel Ciraolo at or Kirra Jackson at
Connect online
Keep up to date with what the PSA is doing online: