The Public Service Association (PSA) has been made aware, through your General Assistants Advisory Group (GAAG) delegates, of the recent School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) notices published on the NSW Department of Education Staff Noticeboard regarding maintenance processes.
We want to be clear: these notices do not change the current General Assistant role description. No member should feel that these directions expand your duties beyond your scope of work.
The PSA is aware that, at times, General Assistants may feel obligated or pressured to carry out tasks that sit outside their role. This can include requests that are inappropriate, unsafe, or inconsistent with your position.
It is critical that the PSA is notified of these instances.
While the PSA strongly encourages all GAs not to undertake tasks that are outside their role description, we understand that fear of reprisals if work is not completed mean that sometimes jobs are completed that should not be.
That is why we are collecting this information. It allows us to build the evidence, data, and estimates on cost savings that we need to effectively advocate on your behalf and challenge any inappropriate practices impacting members.
We also express our disappointment that, once again, departmental notices containing information and guidance were only deemed ‘important information’ for Principals, Teachers, and Administrative staff, excluding General Assistants, the very cohort that will be most affected by these changes. This lack of direct communication is extremely disappointing and highlights the ongoing need to properly recognise and consult with GAs.
If you are directed to perform tasks outside your role, experience increased workload because of these changes, or have any safety concerns, please report it to the PSA.
You can do so by contacting the PSA Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 and quoting collective case number C10019456.