Legal Aid NSW: guidance on Flexible Work update
Independent Formal Mediation
We are awaiting further information from Legal Aid in relation to the scheduling of mediation to progress the issues arising from the changes to flexible work arrangements.
Individual Flexible Working Agreements
We welcome the decision of Legal Aid to allow staff who have not completed Individual Flexible Working Agreements to be able to continue working under their existing agreement to the end of September, however this does not resolve the dispute.
Members who have not renewed their agreements are encouraged to do so, based on their individual needs and circumstances. If your agreement is not approved, please contact PSA Member Support Centre .
Members who have renewed their agreements but feel they were unable to request arrangements beyond those outlined in the policy or guidance – whether due to short time frames or difficulty articulating their needs – are encouraged to contact the PSA for assistance.
Flexible Working Hours Agreement 1997 and core hours
Members are reminded that the Flexible Work Policy and Guidance do not replace or override the Flex Hours Agreement, it remains in place and unchanged. You are entitled to flexible work hours regardless of whether you are working from home or in the office.
Flexible working arrangements and workers compensation
If you are at work and are injured, you are entitled to make a claim for workers compensation. It does not matter if you are working from home, the office, another office location or court – and whether or not those arrangements are covered by your Flexible Work Agreement – you are entitled to make a claim for any injury you receive at work.
Next Steps
The PSA is seeking Legal Aid to withdraw the Guidance document.
Legal Aid, your delegates and PSA staff will participate in the independent mediation process.
Legal Aid must ensure that current approvals remain in place until new applications for flexible work are finalised.
The PSA will continue to update members on the progress of this very important issue.
As previously advised, the PSA will support all members who have flexible work arrangements denied to them by Legal Aid because of the Guidance document including, where necessary, seeking assistance of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
Contacts