DFSI – Flexible Working Hours Agreement update

DFSI FWHA Bulletin – 27 May 2016 (PDF version)

As members may be aware, Department of Finance, Services and Innovation management has been granted approval by the Wages Policy Taskforce (WPT) for the inclusion, in its most recent draft flexible working hours agreement (FWHA), of the following negotiated provisions:

• 12-week settlement period
• six days flex within the settlement period with a restriction on the ability to take more than six flex days in succession, i.e. across settlement periods
• carry forward of 42 hours
• no additional cap on flex days to be taken in a 12-month period.

This development represents a significant shift by the Department from its original position back in early January 2016 wherein it took a very restrictive approach to the concept of flexible working hours.

The proposed agreement is clearly a positive step for the majority of members in maintaining flex entitlements. For many members, it enhances the benefits they currently enjoy, and it is testament to the strength of your union.

While this is encouraging please note that your union remains concerned by a small number of clauses in the current draft, and need further consideration and negotiation. This will occur in the coming weeks. To that end we would encourage members to read the current draft and provide comment to their delegates forthwith.

Delegates:

Joanne Edsor  
Mark Adamson  
Cassandra Coleman  
Garth Nolan  
Christine Baillie  
Kathy Maltby  
Alan White  
Howard Bell  
Ian Tuit  
Megan May