The Premier’s inclusion of Blacktown and Cumberland local government areas (LGAs) to the list of COVID-restricted regions will mean more testing and more limits on the movements of members in these areas.

Only authorised workers will be able to leave these LGAs to go to work. PSA/CPSU NSW members who are authorised include, Prison Officers, schools staff, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, courts staff, electoral and parliamentary staff, Service NSW, Housing staff, Disability Support Workers, family violence and sexual assault services, electricity and water services, transport support and those responsible for the upkeep of public spaces such as National Parks.

A list of authorised workers can be found HERE. Like all COVID-19 information, this link is liable to change over time.

These restrictions already apply to those in the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs.

See HERE for advice on these restrictions.

Your union, the PSA/CPSU NSW, reminds members they are eligible for Special Leave if unable to attend work or if they need time for testing or vaccination.

Unionism is all about supporting your colleagues. We encourage you to talk to your doctor or a qualified health-care professional about the vaccination options available to you. You can also click HERE for advice from NSW Health on vaccines.

Workplace issues don’t stop for a pandemic, and neither does your union.

Whether you are working at home or are still on site, the PSA/CPSU NSW is here for you. Our team of Organisers, Industrial Officers and support staff are all working on behalf of members throughout the state. Most of our regional offices remain open, with staff in Sydney and Wollongong working from home.

In addition, organisations such as the Industrial Relations Commission and the Fair Work Commission are still operating if your issues require arbitration.

If you have any questions, including the timing of your pay increase, please contact your Delegate, Organiser or the Member Support Centre, which can be reached on 1300 772 679 or .

In stressful times such as these, keep in mind PSA/CPSU NSW members have access to benefits such as the Workers Health Centre for workplace injuries, ambulance cover, addiction support through Foundation House and perinatal help through the Gidget Foundation. These services can be accessed through the PSA and CPSU NSW websites.

No matter what the situation, we are here for you.

 

Yours in union,

Stewart Little
General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW
Branch Secretary, CPSU NSW