RMS CSB to Service NSW Bulletin
RMS Customer Service Branch – Service NSW Transition – PSA members’ update
RMS CSB to Service NSW Bulletin 2014 (PDF version)
Through our workplace visits and online survey, PSA members at RMS Motor Registries around NSW provided feedback about their concerns regarding the transition to Service NSW. The principal concerns of members were that they want:
- Offers of direct appointment to a position with Service NSW.
- To ensure adequate consultation around the transition process with the provision of timelines for all relevant processes, including the date and order that each Registry would transition over to Service NSW.
Service NSW:
- Offered a placement process similar to that used for the Tranche 1, however this was not entirely satisfactory to members.
- Did not provide a change process and the timelines.
Due to these concerns your union, the PSA, subsequently sought the assistance of the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) to resolve members’ issues and to negotiate a better process for members.
Outcomes of Proceedings – PSA secures better process for RMS staff in Registry ‘spill and fill’
As a result the PSA has secured new concessions from Service NSW in our long running dispute with the agency over the filling of ‘new’ service centre jobs.
Following the most recent round of conciliation in the IRC, the PSA and Service NSW have agreed to a package that improves employment security for affected staff seeking ‘new’ roles with Service NSW. Under the new arrangements all registry staff seeking employment with Service NSW will be regarded as either:
- Priority 1 (a) – Directly affected staff seeking a role at the same level
Priority 1 (b) – Directly affected staff seeking a role at the same level but at a different location; or
Priority 2 – Directly affected staff seeking promotion and any other permanent staff from Fair Trading or RMS who would like to join Service NSW.
- All Priority 1(a) staff will have access to an ‘assisted appointment review’process, conducted by a Member of the IRC, in the event that they areunsuccessful in gaining appointment to their nominated role. Appeals must be lodged within 7 days of receiving feedback from the Selection Panel Convener.
- No appointments will be confirmed where a ‘new’ role is the subject of an‘assisted appointment review’.
Key Outcomes
As a result of the PSA dispute, the following outcomes were achieved:
- A merit based right of appeal (the review process)
In the event an existing employee is unsuccessful for a job in Service NSW and vacancies remain after thefirst round for each position, they will be able to have the decision reviewed by the IRC. The review processprovides a safeguard for employees in the event they are not appointed to an equivalent position in Service NSW.
- Use of government sector merit selection principles
All interviews and interview panels must adhere to the merit selection principles used in the public sector. Merit will be based on an assessment of the capabilities, experience and knowledge of the applicant against the pre-established standards for each of the ‘new’ roles. ‘Pre-established standards’ refers to theKey Accountabilities & Challenges and Capabilities section of the Role Description.
- Consideration of your service record
An applicant’s employment record will have significant importance in reaching a decision as to suitability.
This is a protection against being knocked out if you don’t perform well at interview.
- No appointments to roles subject to appeal
No appointments will be confirmed until after the outcomes of any assisted reviews are known.
What about direct offers of employment?
As previously reported, the initial recommendation in the Tranche 1 process stated that non-management applicants be directly offered jobs following a check on conduct and performance. It became apparent that this may have resulted in applicants being knocked out for minor or past employment issues, with no right of reply. Under the interview process, all members now have the opportunity to address any such issues, and can lodge an appeal if unhappy with the result. This is a significant result for members.
Assistance with the review process
As explained above, directly affected applicants for equivalent positions now have the right to appeal recruitment outcomes. The PSA will assist members who are facing this. To seek assistance, please contact the PSA on 1300 772 679 as soon as you are informed that you were unsuccessful.
RMS Registries – The process of transition
RMS Motor Registry members throughout the state will be aware that the transition to Service NSW is ongoing. Your union intends to visit your location in the coming months to discuss the process. Registries now transitioning will be visited in due course and/or as close as possible to Service NSW briefings.
What can you do?
