POVB John Morony update – July 2017 (PDF version)

As you would be aware, a vote was disseminated via a Survey Monkey as to whether to keep John Morony in public hands rather than private.

Many questions were raised as to why the vote was conducted in this way rather than a postal vote or by way of the Management Committee – State Delegates meeting and voting. The last option was conducted when the Island Agreement – Kempsey, Dillwynia and Wellington Award – was voted on and this process caused a lot of disharmony in the union. Members wanted a vote and friendships were damaged.

When this current POVB ran and was elected, we constantly heard that members want to have a voice and be part of the decision-making process. The vote needed to be done quickly so it was decided to use Survey Monkey as this process has worked in elections for Delegate Committees and in the 2.5 per cent wage rise.

We can inform you that the vote for POVB was 91.85 per cent in favour of keeping the centre in public hands and the COVB was 60 per cent in favour. When the POVB State Executive elections took place via postal vote, only 665 people voted. In this process, more than 785 POVB people voted in just three days.

There were 16 signatures from around NSW and it was put to the State Executive to have delegates come in to make the decision but, as stated, it was decided to let the membership vote. We will have the delegates meet via teleconference next week to discuss John Morony.

Throughout the voting process we received some phone calls with questions and concerns. I wish to alleviate some of the concerns raised:

• John Morony will still accrue six weeks’ leave however as per the Award they will be pre-rostered two weeks’ leave and then staff must take another two weeks’ leave. Overseers, due to only accruing four weeks, will have two weeks pre-rostered. Staff can swap their leave with other staff.

• It is not a training gaol and nor was it ever put to us to be a training gaol.

• There is no grandfather clause for 10 First Class Correctional Officers. It was put to us and it was not accepted. Staff wanting to work in John Morony must put in an Expression of Interest and agree to work under the framework of the centre. CSNSW can put who they want in the centre but if there is a First Class Officer chosen they will be paid First Class. If a Correctional Officer is placed there and then goes through increments and reaches First Class Correctional Officer, CSNSW must pay them at that increment. We have asked to be part of the HR process for placement in the centre and for staff wishing to go to other centres.

• Can this be pushed through to other centres? Yes it can, we have no guarantees. Every centre can be market tested even if the vote went against keeping the centre in public hands. The Island Agreement can be put to us at any time however it has been around since 2007 and it has only been introduced into another centre now.

PSA has written to CSNSW confirming the results of the vote. CSNSW now have to seek final approval from the State Government.

This has been a very difficult process, but more so for the staff that work at John Morony. They have worked in an uncertain environment with rumours creating further uncertainty. The POVB Executive will work closely with them and CSNSW to get the best possible outcomes for all staff throughout the transition process. We also commend them for the way they conducted their duties throughout this whole time under professional uncertainty that would have also impacted their personal lives.

If you have any inquiries please contact one of the State Executive:

Nicole Jess – Chairperson
0427 609 199

Jason Charlton – Vice Chairperson
0401 500 976

Thor Sutherland – Country Chairperson
0447 633 476

Natalie Howes – Secretary
0407 011 441

Darren King – Assistant Secretary
0407 935 039