As part of the union’s goal of ensuring a well-funded, supported public service, the PSA has requested agencies provide information on temporary engagements across the sector.

It became clear that in some agencies the use of contractors under the previous government spiralled out of control. To restore high-quality employment practices and to ensure transparency in government agencies the PSA has sought lists of positions including temporary engagements, contractors, and other contingent labour.

Dispute lodged over contractors

The PSA repeatedly requested up-to-date lists from the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and while lists of permanent and temporary roles were provided, no contractors or contingent labour were included. After following up with senior members of employee relations on numerous occasions the PSA was left with no recourse but to lodge a dispute in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC).

The matter was heard in the IRC on Friday 24 November. The PSA sought:

• A comprehensive list of contingent labour and contractors
• Up-to-date structures for each district and location

The PSA is concerned not only about the lack of transparency in employment practices, but the impact overuse of contingent labour, contractors and temporary engagements can have on the workforce and safety. That is why it is of paramount importance that RFS enters into genuine consultation around these matters.

RFS was unable to provide up-to-date information and nominated a date well into December due to, in its words, the complexity of the information requested. A report back before the Commission has been set on 17 January 2024 and we will keep members informed as we progress.

PSA Meets with Minister’s Office Over Dreadful RFS People Matter Employee Survey Results

Following the release of the release of this year’s People Matter Employee Survey (PMES) results your RFS delegates reviewed the statistics and did a cross check with previous results to determine any improvements.

You can read more about that HERE

Check out the PSA Facebook post HERE

It has become clear that PMES results in RFS over a number of years remain drastically low in key areas such as staff wellbeing, communication and change management, intention to stay and work health and safety.

The PSA met with the Minister’s office to impress on them the importance of turning the poor culture at RFS, evidenced by the dreadful PMES results, around. We were able to have frank and open discussions about the situation and will continue to advance the issues over the coming months.

If you know someone who is not a member, or have any new starters in your workplace, now is the time to invite them to be part of the PSA by JOINING

You can support the work of the union and your delegates just by joining or encouraging others to join.