The PSA understands that our members, especially Department of Education (DoE) corporate and field staff, are feeling anxious and concerned in an environment of budget cuts, functional reviews and announcements about organisational changes, restructures, and job deletions.

We write to advise you, that as a PSA member, your union stands firmly with you and is strongly advocating for your rights and entitlements throughout this challenging and uncertain time.

PSA Lodges Dispute: no genuine consultation

Late last week, the PSA advised the department that we are in dispute over their failure to engage in genuine consultation and their conduct in relation to Organisational Change.  The PSA lodged a s130 dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission on Friday. We are seeking the assistance of the Commission to conciliate between the parties, with the aim of developing an agreed set of expectations, processes, and Agency Change Management practices, including respectful and timely communications with staff and the union.

An opportunity to influence the final structure is a must

Genuine consultation involves sharing all relevant and pertinent information with staff and the union; and must provide the opportunity for consideration of feedback to influence the final change proposal(s). The PSA has requested the department provide an Organisational Change Schedule for the year; and comprehensive change management plans (CMP) in all instances, in accordance with the Public Service Commission’s Agency Change Management Guidelines. The CM Plan must clearly outline the department’s Placement and Redeployment Processes for supporting retention of all impacted staff; and thereafter, adherence to the government’s Workforce Mobility Placement and Managing Excess Employees Policies.

We are confident that with the assistance of the Commission, the PSA and Department can work collaboratively to develop best practice change management processes going forward. During this difficult period, you can be assured that the PSA is committed to achieving the best possible outcome(s) for our members.

Stay connected

Remember, you are not alone in this process. Your union is here to provide support and advice.  We are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected and that the restructuring process is carried out fairly and transparently.

We encourage you to stay in contact with the PSA:

• Attend upcoming member meetings to stay up to date;
• Contact PSA Member Support Centre to log your concerns;
• Look out for member update bulletins
• Encourage your colleagues to join the union

Stay strong, stay united. Together, we will navigate this challenging period.

PSA Staff

Katy Ambler, Industrial Officer
Peta Noke, Organiser