The Community Services work from home survey closes TODAY
The PSA survey closes today at 12 mid-day.
Don’t let your opportunity to us your feedback on how working from home and safety protocols are being implemented in your office. Please take a few minutes to respond.
Working from home going well for Revenue NSW staff, survey finds – The Mandarin 22 April 2020
Employees from New South Wales’ revenue management agency have indicated they are happy with their working-from-home arrangements, but identified issues with equipment.
The Public Service Association of NSW recently surveyed members from Revenue NSW — an agency within the Department of Customer Service — about their experiences with working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.
All but one of the 186 members who responded said working from home has been made available to them, with 91% stating they have been happy to work from home.
While 88% of respondents felt they were receiving enough communication from management, 15% said they didn’t feel supported in working from home.
Finally, 22% of members believed they didn’t have all the equipment they need, such as chairs, headsets, monitors, and cables.
Respondents also identified key areas for improvement while working from home, including:
addressing ambiguity around reporting lines and being connected with the team,
technical issues such as access to or setting up equipment,
actual protocols and red tape surrounding working from home and whether Special Leave may be appropriate in some circumstances.
PSA industrial manager Nathan Bradshaw told The Mandarin the union was “gratified” to see Revenue NSW make the transition to working from home as “pain free” as possible for its employees.
“We’ve all had to quickly adapt to the new demands of widespread working from home,” he said.
“A change of this magnitude which would typically take months of planning was instead managed in mere days, so naturally some members don’t have all the equipment at home they’d normally have in the office.
“The PSA is working productively with Revenue NSW to make sure members have what they need to work from home. Members with any concerns should get in touch with their workplace delegates or the union.”
The PSA plans to discuss key issues raised in the survey at the next Joint Consultative Committee meeting.
Through our weekly update, we will try to answer your questions, but, as always, if you would like to speak with a delegate or one of our industrial staff, leave your name and best contact details when submitting your enquiry.
The majority of the questions so far were in response to the Vice Chancellor’s email asking staff to consider a range of options including part-time employment, reduced remuneration (less pay) or transition to retirement arrangements.
The CPSU NSW would like to emphasise that these are UNSW’s proposals, and they are not endorsed by campus unions. If you feel you are being pressured to accept an outcome you are uncomfortable with, contact us immediately on 1800 772 679.
Do I have to choose one of the options?
No, not at all. The various options have been put forward by management in an effort to cut costs. The measures are wholly voluntary and no-one can be forced into these arrangements.
What is the risk if I choose to take one of these options?
There should not be any risk. The Vice Chancellor’s email confirms that all arrangements are intended to be temporary (and limited to a period of three months), with the ability to extend these only by agreement. The CPSU NSW recommends you contact us if you are considering taking one of these options for further personalised advice.
What about the Government’s JobKeeper program?
Unlike other not-for-profits, universities have been excluded from lower-threshold access to JobKeeper due to a decision by the Federal Government.
Can UNSW force me to go part-time?
No, although part-time work arrangements can be negotiated by agreement between you and your manager.
What does the CPSU NSW recommend I do?
Before you agree to anything, contact our Organiser, Kirra Jackson on 0438 416 615. We have a team of industrial and legal staff ready to help.
I am concerned that if I take one of these options UNSW might continue with forced redundancies, which would make my sacrifice pointless.
That’s a reasonable concern and one the CPSU NSW shares. We are in a situation where we do not yet know what the future holds. We do know UNSW’s financial position is tenuous. We have told UNSW we are prepared to work with them and all stakeholders in a responsible way to protect jobs and ensure the university remains financially sustainable.
In saying that, the CPSU NSW opposes forced redundancies and we have called on UNSW to rule them out.
We understand it is a very stressful time for university staff. It is tremendously important for professional staff to stick together and negotiate from a position of collective strength. The CPSU NSW has a long history with UNSW and we are proud to have shared in the university’s evolution and success. If you know anyone that is not a member, ask them to JOIN TODAY. If you would like a union representative to organise a meeting with you and your team to talk about your rights, please email ">.
CPSU NSW Professional Staff Union Delegates and contacts
Alister Wareing
Warassamon Kate Brown
David Herd
Liam Orchard
Ellie Williams
Kassie Dmitrieff
Jane Knowles
Todd Bonner
Joe Holloway (Paddington Campus)
Kirra Jackson (CPSU NSW Organiser)
Lisa Nelson (CPSU NSW Industrial Officer)
CPSU NSW calls on TAFE to dump restructures and save jobs
The CPSU NSW has called on TAFE NSW to immediately delay or abandon current restructures to save jobs and support NSW Government plans for economic growth.
Politicians on all sides of the political spectrum have been vocal in imploring business to keep staff in work during the COVID 19 health crisis – and it’s up to the public sector to lead by example.
The union recognises that in the current circumstances TAFE NSW staff made redundant would be hard hit, unable to access the JobKeeper program or likely to find another job while much of the economy remains in lockdown.
Our position was first raised with the TAFE NSW Managing Director at a recent Fair Work Commission facilitated consultation committee (6 April), and last Friday we wrote to TAFE seeking an official response.
Important update: Office of Sport COVID-19 measures
The PSA requested a briefing on Office of Sport (OoS) responses to COVID-19 to ensure the Workplace Health and Safety of staff is front of mind in its provisions for and communications with staff, during this challenging time.
You can read information on your workplace conditions during Covid-19 HERE.
Your Work Health & Safety
The PSA has sought assurance the Office of Sport is employing appropriate workplace safety controls, sensible provisions and employee support compliant with health recommendations: The PSA asserted OoS should heed World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations including:
Making workplaces are clean and hygienic
Promoting regular hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers
Promoting good respiratory hygiene in the workplace
Advising people to consult travel advisories before work trips
For places where COVID-19 is spreading in the community, asking people to stay home from work if they have symptoms.
We are assured staff have been provided with access to current information from the NSW Health.
The Office is also testing its IT infrastructure to support a significant number of staff working from home or remote locations as the situation progresses. Current advice is that staff attend for duty at their normal workplaces as far as practicable at this stage, but if you have individual health and safety concerns or carer’s responsibilities the PSA would advise that you should discuss these with your manager.
We are advised a dedicated steering group is meeting on daily to assess the situation and for the OoS to be responsive.
Casual staff
The Association continues to advocate concerning what provisions are being made for the large number of casual workers at Office of Sport. The Office has undertaken to address the issue and progressively review matters on advice and directions from the NSW Government. The Association awaits further advice on what is being done to maintain the income and employment of casuals at the Office of Sport at this challenging time.
Your safety
Your employer is responsible for the safety of all staff. If you have concerns for your health and safety, such as unsafe work practices or absence of PPE, please raise them with your supervisor, manager or team leader. The Department stated it is currently having trouble in securing hand sanitiser and some PPE.
If the concerns are not addressed, please lodge an incident report through SAP immediately and contact the PSA if no prompt action is taken to address your concerns.
Member Support Centre: 1800 772 679
Vulnerable workers
Some workers, such as those listed HERE, are at higher risk due to age, current medical treatment of existing medical conditions.
If you believe you fall into this category of worker, you should email your line manager requesting modified duties in order to avoid or minimise client contact and / or work from home.
Know someone who isn’t a member?
A strong union means better outcomes for all members; forward this bulletin to your colleagues and encourage your workmates to JOIN the PSA today.
Having your union and its collective strength behind you in the workplace is the only way to make sure we get fair outcomes.
The PSA recently surveyed members in Revenue NSW regarding their experiences with working from home during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
One hundred and eighty-six members responded, which is certainly a good response rate considering the current difficulties all workers are facing.
Results
The results included:
All but one member reported that WFH is being made available and 91 per cent of members are happy to work from home
88 per cent of members felt they were receiving enough communication from management
15 per cent of members reported that they didn’t feel supported in working from home
22 per cent of members reported they didn’t have all the equipment provided.
There were a number of free-form questions around improvements required to working from home provisions. Three main issues presented were:
ambiguity around reporting lines and being connected with the team
technical issues such as access to or setting up equipment
actual protocols and red tape surrounding working from home and whether Special Leave may be appropriate in some circumstances.
The responses will be reviewed further and key issues identified will be raised at our next JCC.
Overall it appears the Department is stepping up to the challenge of quickly moving staff to a ‘WFH mode’, though challenges remain with regards to communicating with those staff and enabling technology and optimum WFH conditions.
If you are having ANY type of difficulty in the workplace please remember, the PSA is YOUR UNION and we are here to help. Contact your local delegate or the PSA Member Support Centre,which has extended hours of operation during coronavirus pandemic: 8:00am-5:30pm.
Telephone 1800 772 679 or email
Talk to your non-union colleagues about the benefits of ‘being Union’ and join the PSA online at: psa.asn.au/join.
We want to hear from you! Work from home and COVID-19
The PSA is collecting information on how different districts and CSCs are implementing working from home arrangements to inform our discussions with the Department.
Tell us what you think
If you can spare a few minutes of your time please fill in our simple survey.
Important Community Services survey: COVID-19 and working from home
The PSA has been contacted by members raising questions and concerns around different approaches being taken by across regions, CSC’s and in some cases teams within the same CSC.
These issues range from unnecessary barriers to staff to work from home, including the requirements needed for approval, to application of safety protocols.
In order to demonstrate clearly what is occurring across the state, the PSA are asking members to complete a short survey. The survey results will inform consultation with the Department and hopefully lead to the establishment of minimum standards to be used in all teams and offices.
The survey will only be open for a short period of time and will close at mid-day on Wednesday 22 April. Please take the time to complete the survey in the next day or two so that we can progress the issues with senior DCJ representatives.
The PSA would like to remind all members and staff that even when working from home, the field flex agreement stays in effect.
Two easy things you can do to support your union
Support the work of the PSA and delegates by asking your colleagues to JOIN their union.
If members you work with have not received this bulletin, forward the survey link to them and ask them to update their details at: membership.psa.asn.au or by calling 1800 772 679.
PSA Delegates and members have been working closely with the Department in these extremely difficult circumstances to develop briefing material, training material and protocols to deal with the Coronavirus crisis.
The Department established a COVID-19 Planning Committee that is chaired by the Director Business & Transition Services. The Chairperson of the PSA Workplace Council is also a member of this very important Committee.
The Committee is meeting weekly and has;
Developed an Outbreak Action Plan.
Provided regular updates to staff.
Encouraged anyone who is able to work from home to do so.
Reduced the number of visitors to the workplace.
COVID-19 briefing sessions have been rolled out to staff. The vast majority of staff have already attended a briefing session; please talk to your line manager if you have not attended one yet or received the information in the mail.
The prevention and preparation work being undertaken is being informed by the COVID-19 Guidelines issued by the Communicable Diseases Network of Australia (CDNA).
The CDNA guidelines apply to Residential Care Facilities and members can read the guidelines by following THIS LINK.
Your safety
The work you do for some of the most vulnerable in our community is vital, challenging work and it is very important you follow the advice of the Ministry of Health to keep yourself safe.
While you are not at work please practice social distancing, make sure that you keep at least 1.5 metres away from people.
Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol content.
DON’T ATTEND WORK IF YOU ARE SICK The people you support at work are some of the highest risk category and it is important you don’t go to work if you are not well.
Your employer is responsible for the safety of staff. If you have concerns for your health and safety, please raise them with your supervisor or line manager.
If the concerns are not addressed, please lodge a Health and Safety report and contact the PSA if no prompt action is taken to address your concerns.
PSA Member Support Centre 1800 772 679
PSA Delegates and staff will continue to consult with the Department and update members.
Thank you again for the important work that you do for the community and please stay safe.
The PSA was advised by members that they were directed to work standard hours (seven hours per day without the ability to accrue flex time) while working from home.
Following these reports, the PSA contacted the Department of Communities and Justice on 15 April 2020 and stated, as per the Flexible Working Hours Agreement, flexible working hours remain in place regardless of whether a member is working from home or on site.
On 16 April 2020, the Department confirmed that flexible working hours do apply when working from home. Accordingly, the Department will be revising its advice and will issue the correct advice about flexible working hours.
Members have also been advised by RSB that they might have to come into court while working from home during self-isolation pursuant to COVID-19.
This goes against the whole point of self-isolating. Members should not compromise their health and go to work if they have been directed to self-isolate by their doctors. If any member has been pressured to attend the workplace, please contact the PSA.
What can you do?
Ask a work colleague join the PSA today
Make the union strong by forwarding this bulletin to your colleagues
UNSW PROFESSIONAL STAFF UNION: UPDATE FOR CPSU NSW MEMBERS
The Community and Public Sector Union – CPSU NSW – is dedicated to ensuring our Professional Staff members at UNSW are fully represented, particularly in these unprecedented times.
We are having regular discussions with the university about the rapidly changing situation, with our goal being to protect our members’ jobs and to ensure that our members’ rights and conditions of employment are respected, both collectively and individually.
Yesterday’s message to all staff from the President and Vice-Chancellor raised a number of concerns for UNSW Professional Staff with regard to the university’s suggested voluntary measures over the next three months.
The options all staff have been asked to consider are:
Voluntary decrease in hours and pay
Voluntary salary reduction by purchasing extra leave
Voluntary retirement
The university said, “In the current environment, the impact of a large number of staff taking up these options could be significant in lessening UNSW’s financial difficulties – and therefore the number of job losses we have to consider.”
Please note that these options are voluntary. UNSW Professional Staff cannot be directed to take any of these options. The CPSU NSW recommends that all members seek independent advice before volunteering for any of these options, as there may be unforeseen consequences affecting your future employment, salary, tax liability or superannuation and leave entitlements.
CPSU NSW members should always speak to their union before making any decision.
If you are CPSU NSW member and you feel you are being pressured to accept reduced hours, or to do anything you are not comfortable with, you should contact a UNSW Professional Staff Union delegate (see contact details below) or call the Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679.
The CPSU NSW has also set up a question box (via Survey Monkey) HERE
UNSW Professional Staff can ask questions or raise any concerns you have about your rights at work during this very difficult time.
If you prefer, you can ask questions anonymously – if you choose to do so, your question will be answered in our regular email bulletins to CPSU NSW members.
If you leave your name and contact details, we will get back to you personally, as always, in complete confidence.
This question box is open to all UNSW Professional Staff; however, the end of week bulletin is only available to CPSU NSW members.
The CPSU NSW represents thousands of Professional Staff across all universities in NSW. We are party to the current UNSW Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement and are able to advise, support and represent UNSW Professional Staff.
Non-members can join the CPSU NSW Professional Staff Union online HERE
If you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with a union delegate, send us a question via the Survey Monkey link above, or call us on 1800 772 679.
COVID-19: safety, protective equipment and temporary staff
It’s been a difficult time for everyone over the past month and, as always, the PSA has your back. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact us for support, advice and advocacy.
The PSA has received a number of briefings from senior Department representatives over the past few weeks, and they have updated the PSA on how they are supporting staff. These briefings have also provided an opportunity for us to raise issues that are important to members so that they can be resolved.
In this update:
Performance management during Covid-19
Personal Protective Equipment
Application of safety measures and inconsistencies
Temporary Staff
Contact Workers
Support for mental health
Help your colleagues stay safe, protected and supported with the PSA
Do you know someone who is not a member?
You can support the work of the PSA and delegates to get better outcomes for everyone just by asking your colleagues to JOIN.
Performance Management During Covid-19
The PSA raised concerns about performance management processes during the crisis. It is our view that members will be unable to receive the required support to improve performance in the current unusual circumstances.
The PSA suggested they put performance management on hold.
The Department advised this has been discussed across the NSW Public Sector and it will report back to the PSA on how it will be managed.
If you are experiencing issues related to performance management, contact the Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The PSA requested an update on provision of PPE to workplaces as well as what stores were available in the districts.
The Department advised that, as this is a whole-of-sector problem, a whole-of-sector procurement process for hard-to-procure items has been implemented. All clusters must go through the central distribution/procurement process for these hard-to-procure items, most of which are PPE. A committee is overseeing this process and supplies will then be sent to where they are needed most across the public sector.
The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has met to decide what its priorities are. Unfortunately, this problem is not going away and DCJ will continue to monitor the situation.
Supplies of gloves, masks and hand sanitiser have been distributed out to districts for use in Housing offices and Community Service Centres. There should currently be supplies in every district but they are monitoring this.
All safety measures being implemented across DCJ are being developed in conjunction with a NSW Health Doctor, all measures implemented have been approved by them in line with state-wide health guidelines.
The PSA reminds members to raise any safety concerns you have with your team leader or manager. If the concerns are not addressed, lodge an incident report through SAP immediately and contact the PSA if no prompt action is taken to address your concerns.
Inconsistencies in application of safety measures and conditions of employment
The PSA raised that we are seeing inconsistencies in how state-wide safety measures and application of conditions of employment are being implemented. While different work areas may need additional or different measures, it has been reported to the PSA that members doing the same work in different areas are not being supported consistently.
While many Managers and Team Leaders have provided good support to their staff, it seems that some local management have not educated themselves properly on the advice being published centrally about protective measures or work practices when working from home.
The PSA encourages all members to review the DCJ Website and Intranet for updates on:
Application of Flex when working from home
Flex agreements and Flexible Working Arrangements
Casework practice support for Community Services
Housing Service Delivery – online daily updates
Safety measures and risk assessments in both Housing and Community Services for all home visits, assertive outreach, front counter work and triaging.
Temporary staff – Housing, Community Services, Corporate and Commissioning
Temporary staff from across the Department have been in touch with the PSA including those working in the Helpline, CSCs, Housing Offices and those whose contracts were extended until June during restructures of Corporate Services and Strategy, Policy and Commissioning (SPC).
As we have previously reported, while DCJ will proceed with filling some positions in the Corporate Services restructure there will be no redundancies during the Covid-19 crisis. Similarly, the SPC restructure has now been placed on hold.
The Department has committed to providing the PSA with an update on temporary contracts. The PSA will report back to members on this as soon as possible.
Community Services – contact workers
The PSA raised issues with the safety and job security of Contact Workers in Community Services.
Most contact workers are casual and some have experienced a decrease in work as a result of covid-19. The Department advised that contact visits should be continuing, although it may happen in different ways or remotely.
The PSA is concerned for the safety of contact workers due to the transportation of children and being out in the community a lot through the course of their work.
If you are experiencing issues related to either of these issues, please contact the PSA so that we can provide you with advice and support.
