You would likely have seen the PSA’s bulletins regarding the NSW Government’s announcement that they were to offer all NSW Government employees a three per cent pay rise. This was to include legislated superannuation increases meaning it is closer to 2.5 per cent.

This announcement does not address the memberships concerns for real wages to not go backwards and it does not get rid of the wage cap.  To add insult to injury a $3000 ‘thank you’ payment to health workers is being denied to our members. Apparently you do not deserve the same ‘thank you’ when you, and other PSA members, have also worked in critical roles during the pandemic.

As such, the PSA Central Council meeting that was held at 5:00pm on Monday, 6 June directs members continue with the strike, or other form of industrial action that is being taken.

You can see the PSA bulletin’s HERE.

It is important that all members in Compliance Operations, from the COIs to management participate as directed on in the 24-hour strike.   This is the last opportunity before transition to NHVR get a pay rise, and to get one that will not result in your real wages going backwards.

Am I on unauthorised leave if I take part in the strike?

The PSA has become aware that Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has attempted intimidate its employees by informing them (a) that participation in the PSA’s directive to stop work on 8 June 2022 means you will be considered as on unauthorised leave and (b) if you do not follow a lawful directive you will be considered to be on unauthorised leave.

Whilst TfNSW has not authorised the leave, it is important to note that TfNSW cannot take any disciplinary action or victimise you for taking industrial action as directed by your union. You are not striking in your own name, you are doing so at the direction of the PSA and in the PSA’s name. Any consequences for striking fall on the PSA, not on individuals who strike.  You cannot be disciplined for taking industrial action in your union’s name.

If you are participating in the strike as directed by the PSA and there is no option to submit your absence in Equip under Industrial Action the PSA recommends that when attending the strike that you log your absence as Leave Without Pay, with the reason being Industrial Action.

Participating in the strike

In participating in the stop work on 8 June the PSA can advise the following:

1. If you are rostered on, or are not a rostered workers and it is your normal day of work, do not show up for work. You can advise your manager you will be participating in the industrial action, you can provide them our bulletin HERE.
2. If you are rostered on a shift that starts prior and goes beyond 12:00am 8 June 2022, you advise your manager you are leaving work at 12:00am on 8 June 2022 to participate in the industrial action. You can provide your manager with PSA’s bulletin.
3. If you are rostered on a shift that starts prior and goes beyond 11:59am on 8 June 2022 you advise your manager you will are participating in the strike and will start work at 12:00am 9 June 2022. You can provide your manager with the PSA’s bulletin HERE.
4. Attend the relevant PSA action in your area.
5. On your return to work the next day you can put your leave in equip as LWOP, with the reason being Industrial Action.

I am not a member; can I take part in strike action?

As stated above, this action is for members to take part in at the direction of their union. If you are not a member you can still join HERE to be protected for your part in the action. We encourage all members to have discussions with their colleagues around taking part tomorrow. This day of action extends to all parts of our membership with public servants across the state joining the campaign tomorrow to fight for a fair wage rise.

If you have any issues or concerns, please reach out to your PSA representatives:

Ian Braithwaite Organiser 0400 859 630

Jessica Moore Industrial Officer 0408 213 339