As we prepare to say farewell to 2024, we should take time to celebrate some of the achievements we’ve had on behalf of our diverse membership. We’ve won salary increases for tens of thousands of members, and smaller wins on behalf of individuals. As always, 2024 proved it pays to be union.

Below are just some of our recent victories.

Unencumbered by the wage cap, the PSA and the State Government have agreed on a three-year deal for wage increases. The pay increases, which are projected to keep ahead of inflation, result from the restoration of the Industrial Relation Commission’s powers to set wages. These powers, and the end of the wage cap, were key parts of the PSA’s campaign at the 2023 NSW State Election. PSA members voted to accept the three-year deal, which also includes additional payments if inflation reaches certain percentage points.

Court Escort Security Unit staff from regional areas now have the option of staying at a suitable hotel offsite while undergoing mandatory training at Long Bay Complex. Previously they had to stay in subpar accommodation onsite. The decision comes after conciliation between the Prison Officers Vocational Branch (POVB) and Corrective Services NSW.

Finally, the State Government has recognised the vital role Special Constables play in protecting NSW political and justice facilities. In addition to their pay increase, they received a uplift to their grading as the result of a work value case.

After many years of advocating by the PSA, a new Nomex fire shirt is being rolled out for firefighters with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Each firefighter will initially be provided with two shirts.

SafeWork Inspectors will have additional protection of body-worn cameras when they visit building sites. This move, which came after strong campaigning by the PSA, will help protect Inspectors from intimidation and violence while onsite.

PSA members covered by the Crown Employees (Psychologists) Award voted to receive an interim salary increase of 3 per cent plus superannuation while they undertake intensive negotiations on new terms and conditions of employment for employees covered by the current Award.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) members voted to accept a three-year pay deal. Following the vote, all unions in the sector agreed to the NSW Government’s offer. Negotiations are continuing for other benefits for members working for TfNSW.

The Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission’s plans to reduce staffing levels at racing meets has been halted at the first turn by the PSA. The union representing these workers, the PSA, pointed out that it was not consulted over the move. As such, staffing levels will remain as normal on the state’s tracks.

The PSA has long campaigned on the crisis affecting the NSW Child Protection system. The Government has listened and is addressing this vital part of the Public Sector. Members have received a pay increase and grading upgrade, and discussions have commenced about the creation of a separate Child Protection Award and updated role descriptions. In addition, the Minister, Kate Washington, has pushed to curb the role of private operators in the sector.

Always check the advice you are provided. When a PSA member recently applied for parental leave, she approached her employer, and was told she would be paid her parental leave at the part-time rate. She approached the PSA and, after receiving advice and assistance from the PSA’s Women’s Officer, successfully challenged the decision. The result: an additional $14,000 in parental leave payments will be paid to her while she is on leave and bonding with her new baby.

NSW Fisheries Officers can continue their campaign for safer workplaces thanks to a ruling by the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW. The PSA has directed members to cease certain operations, such as inspections at night, as the union believes organised crime is increasingly involved in this area, putting staff at risk.

After voting no to a wage offer that would have seen their real spending power go backwards, members at Forestry Corporation have agreed to a better Enterprise Agreement giving them a 4 per cent pay increase. The rise was backdated to July 2024.

For two years, a Principal in a NSW school rejected a request from a General Assistant for a rostered day off. Thanks to intervention from the PSA, this request has finally been approved.

Despite providing health care support for students, a number of School Learning Support Officers were not receiving higher duties they were entitled to. Then their union stepped in. A PSA Organiser met with members and got their higher duties paid, with a substantial back payment.

Sheriff’s Officers will receive significant uplifts in grade scale thanks to years of campaigning by the PSA. The campaign ramped up in recent months, including a statewide walk out that received media attention all over NSW and forced court houses to close for the day.

PSA Organisers were made aware of an increase in student violence in certain schools. Working directly with these schools, the PSA was successful in ensuring the Department of Education took appropriate action to reduce the level of ongoing violence.

Thanks to the PSA’s strong advocacy on members’ behalf, Rural Fire Service (RFS) management has decided to postpone any further action on duty and on-call rosters. This decision follows the proposed changes in executive leadership over Area Operations and the district review announced by the RFS Commissioner.

PSA Organisers took action when it was discovered a school had a mould issue. A Workplace Health and Safety review resulted in those classrooms being closed until improvements were carried out.

The PSA negotiated a better repayment plan for a member working at a NSW school, who had been overpaid.

The POVB refused to operate body scanners in the state’s gaols due to concerns of legal action against members if an Officer did not identify internally secreted substances. After conciliation, the Department of Communities and Justice agreed to provide further training, so people with appropriate accreditation and skills will interpret images. No Officer will be forced to hold a licence, and holders of a licence must agree to its renewal.

A schools member on workers’ compensation was reinstated to a permanent position after the PSA filed a claim on her behalf.

After help from a CPSU NSW Regional Organiser, a member at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator successfully had his service with the Department of Defence recognised for the purposes of long service leave.

PSA Organisers in schools discovered members were not receiving their medication allowances, despite being trained and directed to undertake the role. The Organisers were successful in achieving back payment for these members.

Next year we will not let up in our fight for better wages and work conditions for the PSA CPSU NSW membership who do so much to make NSW a great place to live, work and learn.

Yours in union,
Nicole Jess
President PSA CPSU NSW