Your union has been meeting with NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS) to discuss the final Flexible Work Policy.  PSA members raised a number of concerns in meeting of members and through direct feedback during the consultation period.

Members are concerned about the proposal to return to the office for the majority of their working week.  The Policy defines this as “typically means working at an approved workplace or related worksite for at least three days per week”.  This was not in the Draft Flexible Working Policy provided to staff in the consultation period.  As such, the union says DCITHS has not properly consulted on this inclusion in the final policy.

The PSA says DCITHS is the only NSW Department that has released a final Flexible Work Policy that seeks to mandate 3 days in the office.  The Premier’s Department Circular C2024-03 NSW Government Sector workplace presence does not mandate the number of days staff are required in the office.

Members question the rational for the proposal and are concerned that a prescriptive approach does not get the balance right.  As such members are seeking a reasonable compromise with this policy.

PSA members have told us flexibility is one of the benefits working for the NSW Government and many commenced employment with flexibility to work from home and be offered closer office locations.  Members have enjoyed this flexibility for some time and made work and life choices based on this flexibility.

Members are concerned that while a Flexible Working Agreement must be approved by the local manager, any requests to work mostly remotely or from home need approval of the Executive Director.

Members are also concerned about the capacity and suitability of the office accommodation and access to office locations in Sydney and local offices as defined in the policy.

There will be further consultations with the union on the implementation of the policy. The PSA invites your feedback and any requests to have a members meeting in your worksite.

Please contact the PSA Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 or email . Quote the call no #C00227712