SAS Staff bulletin – Report back on dispute meeting re Business Managers

SAS staff bulletin – report back on dispute meeting re business managers – 16 Oct 2015 (PDF version)

As advised in the last bulletin sent to members on 14 October 2015, the PSA notified a dispute to the Department of Education on 12 October in relation to their decision to allow NON 229 schools the option to employ Business Managers. Read the 14 October bulletin here

The dispute was notified by the PSA to ensure that PSA members are not in any way disadvantaged by this decision.

The PSA met with the Department of Education on 15 October 2015 to discuss the dispute.

At this meeting, the PSA requested that should the Department proceed with giving schools the ability to employ Business Managers, that an industrial mechanism be negotiated with the PSA which:

1. ensures that Business Managers are employed in addition to SAS staff. (This is in recognition that future changes under Local Schools, Local Decisions will enable changes to be made to the staffing mix when vacancies occur)
2. allows a means for recognition of the work done by School Administrative Managers
3. removes barriers for career progression opportunities for SAS staff
4. improves the job security of all SAS Staff including those who may choose to work in the role of Business Manager
5. regulates the employment arrangements of Business Managers.

The Department’s response

The Department did agree to respond to the PSA’s concerns in writing and to hold a further meeting to attempt to resolve the dispute.

What will the PSA do now?

The PSA will write to the Department by close of business Monday 19 October 2015. The Department will respond to this in writing and arrange a further meeting in the week commencing 26 October 2015.

The PSA will continue to fight on behalf of members on this issue. If you would like to provide your feedback or get involved please email us