PSA News – 14 August 2015

MUA win – workers back at work

In a major win, last night the Federal Court granted an order sought by the MUA to stop Hutchison Ports from dismissing almost 100 employees in Sydney and Brisbane.

Hutchison were directed not to make the workers redundant until the case is determined by the court.

Hearing dates have been set down from 1 September.

The workers concerned went back to work at 6.00am this morning.

There is a sausage sizzle from midday today, Friday 14 August 2015, at Port Botany to celebrate.

All are welcome.

At its meeting on 10 August, the PSA’s Central Council gave full support to MUA demands that Hutchison Ports withdraw 97 dismissal notices issued to workers at Port Botany and Brisbane terminals and negotiate with the union over re-equipment and staffing.

Dismissal notices were issued by text message shortly before midnight on 6 August, effective immediately.

Most of the sacked workers were elected site committee members, shift delegates or health and safety committee representatives.

Hundreds including PSA staff and members joined the protest at Port Botany.

PSA wins unpaid wages

The PSA has won four years of unpaid overtime for ADHC staff at the Tomaree Centre.

The Tomaree Centre is a facility for adults with an intellectual disability at Shoal Bay, in the Port Stephens region of NSW.

Staff realised they had been continually working more hours than their mandated 76-hour fortnights, yet were not paid for any excess time on the job.

PSA Regional Organiser, Paul James, approached the department’s regional director and requested a pay audit.

After the audit, the director arranged for staff to be paid for the extra hours worked over the past four years.

If you think members in your area are working without being paid, talk to your PSA delegate or called the Member Support Centre on 1300 772 679.

Productivity Commission report – have your say

You have until 18 September to make submissions to the Abbott Government’s Productivity Commission.

The Commission has called for cuts to penalty rates for workers in certain sectors, reducing take-home pay for people required to work unsocial hours.

Workers in health and emergency services have been spared cuts to penalty rates.

For now.

The Commission also encourages more contracts outside the award system.

Changes such as these were rejected in 2007 by voters when packaged up and labelled WorkChoices.

You can make a submission to the Productivity Commission HERE

PSA concerns about LMBR in schools highlighted by Daily Telegraph

The Daily Telegraph has highlighted the PSA’s concerns about the roll out of the Learning Management and Business Reform (LMBR) program in schools, the cost of which to date is far greater than a reported $500 million.

Read The Daily Telegraph article HERE

Annual PSA Women’s Conference 2015

Registrations are now open for PSA Women’s Conference. All women members of the PSA are eligible to register.

The 2015 theme, chosen by PSA Women’s Council Committee is:

‘Standing against domestic violence’

You can see a draft program HERE

You can register for the conference HERE

This year’s conference will be held on Tuesday, and Wednesday, 15-16 September 2015 at PSA House, 160 Clarence Street, Sydney.

All women who are financial members of the PSA are encouraged to nominate to attend.