ADHC IRC dispute Re: Strike – January 2017 (PDF version)
FACS Notifies of Dispute over Disability Strike Action
NSW Treasury and FACS have filed a dispute notification with the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and sought an urgent meeting with the Public Service Association to discuss the Government’s planned privatisation of disability services.
The offer to meet was received by the PSA on Monday, 23 January and has been listed for compulsory conference on Monday 30 January before Commissioner Newell.
As members would remember we have been before Commissioner Newell in relation to the complete lack of genuine consultation around the privatisation. He has been fair minded and listened carefully to members’ concerns as they crowded the court room in March and April 2016.
PSA willing to meet, but only with decision makers
Your delegates past experience with privatisation consultation meetings have shown that there is little willingness from the Government to negotiate on the key matters of importance to members.
As a result, the PSA has agreed to meet on the proviso that the decision makers, senior government representatives, are in attendance. We are yet to receive a response from Treasury.
PSA fights on for members
The PSA is working with your delegates to combat the unfair and unjust transfer package unilaterally forced upon members. We must continue to fight for the protection of jobs, pay, conditions and a Government safety net for people with disability.
We believe the privatisation of all government disability services will reduce the quality and availability of care and lead to increases in cost for people in supported accommodation. It is imperative that the Government remains a provider of disability services to ensure no one is left without the care they need.
The Government’s current proposed transfer arrangements for disability services staff will force transferring staff to forfeit their public sector redundancy entitlements and lead to immediate reductions in pay and conditions forcing highly trained and experienced staff out of the sector.
That’s why we are taking action on 14 February and asking the new Premier to have a heart, and save our disability services.
We intend to proceed with a 24 hour strike on 14 February as planned. Further updates will follow.
Visit the ADHC page HERE on the PSA Website for more information including FAQs, flyers, posters and DSW Dos and Don’ts.
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A strong union means better outcomes for all members; encourage your workmates to JOIN the PSA today so they are protected when participating in the strike.