In March, the PSA sent out this bulletin about a win in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) concerning meal allowance payments.

Since the automated Workforce Management System was implemented, Officers who worked a rostered shift ceasing at 6:00pm and a minimum of 1.5 hours of overtime were being denied meal allowance payments.

The Commission agreed with the PSA’s interpretation, saying that Officers covered by the Crown Employees (Correctional Officers, Department of Communities and Justice- Corrective Services NSW) Award were entitled to a meal allowance payment in the above circumstances.

Since the IRC matter, the PSA has been engaged in discussions with Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) about how and for what period back payments would be made.

CSNSW has now agreed that:

• All staff who ceased their shift at 6:00pm and then worked a minimum of 1.5 hours of overtime will be entitled to back pay
• The period covered by back pay will be from 8 July 2019; the date the Workforce Management System was implemented
• The back payments will be made in the next pay period, being 19 August 2021.

If any individuals believe that an incorrect payment has been made in the next pay period, CSNSW ask that you email details of the mistake to Rosters Support at .

The PSA is now discussing a variation to the wording of the Award, to ensure there is no further misunderstanding in the future.

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