The Hunter/North region has voted to implement an additional work ban, effective from tomorrow, Wednesday, 28 August 2024. This new ban directs members to decline working at any location with a permanent scanning point unless at least three Sheriff’s Officers are present.
Protection for PSA members
Please note that only PSA members are protected under Clause 64 of the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award 2009, which safeguards against any victimisation before, during, or after industrial action.
Current Work Bans and Motions
Below is a summary of the current work bans and motions in effect:
State-wide Motions
MOTION 1 The members of the Sheriff’s Office Vocational Branch Advisory Group (SOVBAG), Metro and Greater Metro 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.
- Display association notices around screening points and counters.
- 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.
- Decline to issue any new Certificates of Authority to security contractors.
- 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.
- Decline to work –
- At any location without 2 Sheriff’s Officers present and at any location.
- More than 7 hours, unless directed to perform overtime.
Note – This ban does not apply to members who are employed under the Sheriff’s Operations Centre Shift Work Agreement 2018.
- At any location which requires overnight accommodation to be arranged.
- At any location which requires excess travel on weekends.
- At any location outside of their region.
- Any field enforcement duties including carrying out evictions, serving documents and enforcing writs for the levy of property.
Local motions
The following additional work bans only apply to members within those respective regions.
- Metropolitan and Greater Metropolitan
- Decline to work at any location with a permanent scanning point where there are less than 3 Sheriff’s Officers present.
- Illawarra/South
- For members based at Wollongong Hub only: Decline to work at any location other than Wollongong, Port Kembla, Albion Park, or Kiama Courthouses.
- West/Southwest Region
- Members are to decline to work at other Hubs within their region.
- Hunter/North Motions
- Members are to decline to work at other Hubs within their region.
- Decline to work at any location with a permanent scanning point where there are less than 3 Sheriff’s Officers present.
All members are to continue with the above actions unless otherwise directed by the PSA.
Joint Consultative Committee update
The Joint Consultative Committee meeting, initially scheduled for 29 August, has been cancelled by management. A new date will be announced, and we will provide updates accordingly.
If you have any questions or require further guidance, please contact your local delegate or PSA Industrial Staff. Thank you for your continued dedication and support throughout this campaign.