NSW Police Crime Scene Officers Work Bans lifted
Crime Scene Officers Work bans lifted – February 2016 (PDF version)
On 22 February 2016, the PSA met with NSW Police management in relation to the claim for a forensic expert allowance.
This issue was at the centre of action taken by members.
The previous bulletin which explains the work bans is HERE
The action was taken due to Crime Scene Officers being denied an expert allowance, despite other staff being afforded the allowance for equivalent work.
The parties discussed the option of reviewing the grading for these roles.
Management requested that the PSA write to Assistant Commissioner York and put our case.
The PSA sought the relevant job evaluation paperwork around both equivalent Scientific Officer classifications and the Crime Scene Officer roles.
Management have now responded and agreed to our request regarding Scientific Officer classifications.
They state that the Crime Scene Officer positions were not formally evaluated in 2013/ 2014.
This is something that the PSA can pursue as a possible re-grading option.
The other option discussed was to find savings that were equivalent to the cost of the allowance in work practices.
This is required under NSW Government’s Wages policy 2011.
Management have agreed to explore this option with the PSA.
The PSA made it clear that we will not agree to a reduction in conditions.
A copy of the letter from management is HERE
On the basis of an agreed path forward between the PSA and management on how the allowance matter can be resolved, PSA members have voted to lift the work bans.
Therefore, work bans are to be lifted and members should undertake duties as per usual from this point on.
Should this matter remain unresolved we reserve the right to reintroduce the bans.
The PSA will keep members informed of the progress on this issue.
