Salary Increase and Uniform Allowance

Back pay of the uniform allowance has been held up due to the salary increase process. The Police Force has advised the PSA that the salary increase of 2.04 per cent plus increased superannuation will be paid on 30 September. The backpay of the uniform allowance should follow shortly after that.

Both the salary increase and the uniform allowance are the result of hard-fought union campaigns.

Meal Breaks Dispute

The PSA’s dispute regarding the implementation of meal breaks for Special Constables remains before the Industrial Relations Commission. The next hearing will be on 7 October.

The PSA has been advised that meal breaks continue to be given to members beginning within the first 5 hours of their shifts. The union maintains that it is unfair that staff are regularly being sent on a break 2 1/2 hours into a 12 hour shift. We are awaiting legal advice as to whether we can ask the Industrial Relations Commission to rule that such early meal breaks are in breach of the Police Administrative Officers Award.

In the meanwhile, members should make sure that they take their breaks under the Award. You are entitled to a half hour meal break, for which you must be relieved. You can do whatever you wish during your break, including leaving the work site. If recalled to duty by radio or phone during your meal break, you must return to the workplace but you must then be given another break as soon as possible.

Members are also entitled to a 20 minute paid crib break during the rest of the shift. The purpose of the crib break is to eat and take refreshment. You are allowed to leave your post where possible, but cannot leave the work site.

Both the meal and crib breaks are legal entitlements under the Award. If you are unable to be given a meal or crib break due to operational reasons, you should advise your union delegate at the first available opportunity.

Make the union stronger – ask your colleagues to join

Achievements such as meal breaks and uniform allowance are only possible because of strong union membership. Ask your colleagues to join you in fighting for better conditions for Special Constables.

Anyone wishing to join the union should contact the local PSA delegate, your Organiser Marko Petrovic or join online at www.psa.asn.au/join.