Today, the Hunter and Northern Region members led the way with the first region wide stop work meeting.

• In total, 44 Courthouses were affected, with 43 remaining closed for the duration of the meeting.
• With members from six different hubs participating, and an estimated turnout rate of 95 per cent for Sheriff’s Officers.
• Media Coverage from Sydney ABC, Sydney 2GB, NBN News, Channel 7 News, Regional radio stations across the state as well as newspaper coverage from The Daily Telegraph and Newcastle Herald.

A reminder for members who participated to record their absence on MWZ using code 0851 – Industrial Action.

The Hunter/North members passed the following motions at the meeting:

MOTION 1
The members of the Sheriff’s Office Vocational Branch Advisory Group (SOVBAG), Hunter and Northern Regions fully support the resolution passed by the Executive Committee on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

The “Uplift” process undertaken so far has dragged on for far too long and is unacceptable.

We demand that the Government engage with our union representatives and provide a long-awaited offer. Further, we demand that the Sheriff’s Office furnish a copy of the business case.

We support any and all action from members across the state, and encourage our colleagues in the sub-branches to meet, consider, and implement any actions that they deem fit.

MOTION 2
Effective immediately – take the following action(s) which will not cease until our demands are met, and reserve the right to meet, consider and implement further actions at a future date if necessary.

1. Display PSA notices around screening points and counters.
2. Chalking of fixed perimeter equipment (Perspex) Screens and Departmental vehicles. (Note – Contact your local delegate or PSA representative for advice on obtaining the correct chalking equipment to avoid damage and ensure the messaging is approved by the PSA.)
3. Decline to issue any new Certificates of Authority to security contractors.
4. Conduct security screening only at permanent perimeter screening points. (Note – if there is a credible security threat, or if members have any concerns about their safety or the safety of others, you should exercise your discretion and powers to conduct whatever search is necessary.)
5. Decline to work:
   1. At any location without two officers present.
   2. More than seven hours, unless directed to perform overtime.
   3. At any location which requires overnight accommodation to be arranged.
   4. At any location which requires excess travel on weekends.

The above motions apply to the Hunter/North region only.

You deserve respect for what you do.

You deserve adequate staffing levels.

You deserve fair pay.

There is power in a union, and that power is best shown when members are willing to stand up and fight back when their rights are under attack. The Hunter/North members today made it very clear that enough is enough. They are no longer going to accept being UNDERVALUED, UNDERSTAFFED and UNDERPAID.

Now more than ever before, it is crucial for members to step up and work together to win this. If you haven’t done so already, start reaching out to your local delegates and start thinking about what actions your region is going to take.

Know a non-member? Now is the time to tell them to join their union today.