The COVID-19 epidemic presents unprecedented challenges for the university sector in striking a balance between business as usual and keeping students and staff alike safe.
For the last few weeks your CPSU NSW representatives have been in daily contact with the university to get the best outcomes for our membership. The University of Sydney has accelerated its move to online teaching and there will be no face-to-face teaching from Monday 23 March. The university is encouraging as many staff as possible to work from home. The provisions that the union has successfully negotiated so far include:
10 days’ special COVID-19 leave available to all staff, including casuals, for self-isolation, illness or campus closure.
If you are required to self-isolate and continue to work from home (with prior approval) you can claim reimbursement for use of personal internet data and personal mobile phone.
More intensive deep cleaning on common workspaces and hand sanitiser in common areas.
Social distancing to be implemented across the university.
As indicated in a previous email sent to members, the CPSU NSW is continuing negotiations with the University on this matter.
Links to NSW Health and Federal Department of Health Guidelines
NSW Health website on COVID-19 can be viewed HERE.
NSW Health has issued the Factsheet, Advice for universities, that can be viewed HERE.
The Federal Department of Health’s website can be viewed HERE.
The Federal Department of Health’s guidelines on Social Distancing can viewed HERE.
The CPSU NSW realises that the response to COVID-19 is moving incredibly quickly at both a university and government level. We will endeavour to keep members updated as much as reasonably possible.
Ivan Coates Aleksandr Yap Holly Eades Jessica Harris John Wu Lachlan Grant Norton Roughley Patrick O’Mara Peter Adams Peter Murlis Ruth Livingstone Virginia Hilyard Matthew Etherden
This week, the CPSU NSW wrote to TAFE NSW to confirm what measures were being taken in regard to COVID-19 to ensure the wellbeing of staff and students. TAFE NSW did not respond in a timely manner and therefore your union took steps to ensure your employer was addressing the COVID-19 matter.
The CPSU NSW as a result of insisting on engagement with TAFE NSW is now meeting and being briefed from representatives of the TAFE NSW Crisis Management Team (CMT) on a daily basis.
As a result of the first Skype meeting that took place on 19 March, TAFE NSW has informed the CPSU NSW the following teams are in place.
The CMT made up of representatives from across the business and WHS managers from the regions
Incident Management Teams (IMT): regionally based, chaired by regional managers and included delivery and non-delivery stakeholders.
An Emergency Management Team (EMT) made up at each college of WHS representatives and the HSRs.
The EMTs are most relevant to our members across TAFE NSW and we encourage members to work closely with them.
If members are unaware of the relevant WHS/HSR representative at their campus, ask your manager or local regional WHS manager.
TAFE NSW has committed to providing the WHS and HSRs at each campus.
TAFE NSW has assured the CPSU NSW it has issued communications with related material from sources such as NSW Health informing and educating all staff on appropriate practices, actions and impacts.
It has established a dedicated COVID-19 intranet site and is directing staff to it. The site includes material such as NSW Health updates, court updates, leave and attendance information.
TAFE has established a core team of senior staff to determine ongoing strategies and oversee the responses to various matters that arise. Senior executives are working with line managers in relation to individual concerns from staff and responding as quickly as possible.
TAFE is implementing strategies to avoid gatherings of large cohorts of critical staff and using technology over face-to-face contact. It has introduced social distancing options and flexible working arrangements where possible and practical and will continue to review options to expand these options: especially for those staff who are considered vulnerable.
Flu vaccinations will be rolled out to staff in April.
If members have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the CPSU NSW.
NSW Health and Federal Department of Health Advice
The CPSU NSW sought confirmation that current NSW Health and Federal Department of Health protocols are being adhered to. They can be viewed HERE and HERE.
Some questions for TAFE NSW to answer at our daily update meeting tomorrow morning.
Has TAFE NSW established a Pandemic Service Delivery Continuity Plan which has been communicated to relevant staff?
Official position on PPE and hand sanitisers – protection for security frontline customer service and library staff – provision of this. Has this been communicated to staff?
What steps are in place to provide frontline service with social distancing?
What cleaning provisions/procedures are in place? Who is responsible for the regular cleaning of computers and equipment?
Are there plans for introduction of temperature testing?
Do Incident Management Committees remember support staff in assessing contacts of infected people?
Has infectious control been recognised as a significant organisational risk and placed on the next Audit and Risk Meeting agenda?
Has established a register in relation to staff to monitor and track all COVID-19 related issues and incidents raised by staff?
TAFE NSW has also advised it is continuing to receive new and changing information every day and is doing its best to ensure staff are kept up to date and safe.
If members have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the CPSU NSW.
The CPSU NSW wrote to NSW Health on 19 March requesting that it develop COVID-19 guidelines for the Disability, Home Care, and Client Support Services sector.
Our members face a particularly challenging time during this crisis, especially as clients in this sector often have complex, chronic and challenging health needs. The union is concerned that without NSW Health Guidelines for this sector, an inconsistent and possibly dangerous approach is occurring among providers. We are aware that some Disability, Home Care, and Client Support Services providers are using the NSW Health Guidelines for Aged Care Facilities to help manage the COVID-19. However, the CPSU NSW is of the view that this falls short of the level of advice and guidance required as it does not address specific health issues in the Disability, Home Care, and Client Support Services Sector.
Your union’s letter to NSW Health can be viewed in full HERE.
PSA meets with Legal Aid management regarding COVID-19 measures
The PSA today met with Legal Aid management to discuss the agency’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
There have been extensive discussions over the past fortnight focused on the health of members, clients and their families.
The PSA raised numerous issues including:
stopping face-to-face legal interviews
extending hours for AVL interviews
supporting lawyers attending court
cleaning of facilities
protecting counter staff
working from home
special leave.
The PSA and management agreed to progress collaboratively. We have agreed to meet twice each week for the next four weeks to discuss measures.
Management advised that it is transitioning away from face-to-face interviews. As of yesterday, no lawyers are to conduct personal interviews in prisons.
Management also advised that the default position, for staff whose duties permit it, is to work from home.
A package of measures to facilitate this is being developed for rapid release.
Management will consider the implications of ceasing all face-to-face contact in counter areas, and report back to our next meeting.
In the meantime, cleaning will be beefed up and measures developed to encourage clients to phone in rather than attending the counter.
Members who experiencing problems or with ideas during this difficult period are encouraged to contact their Delegates to seek union assistance.
Members would be aware that daily the situation with COVID-19 is evolving and changing rapidly.
Please take the time to see videos from POVB Chairperson Nicole Jess HERE and PSA Industrial Manager Julie Bond HERE. Don’t forget to Like and Follow the PSA’s Facebook page for regular updates.
CSNSW has now had a Command Hub for two days, to manage all issues that centres and court locations have in regards to COVID-19.
The PSA/POVB have representatives working seven days a week at the Command Hub to get the best possible outcomes and answers to issues as they arise. At present, Amanda Cotter has been at the hub and some information that we have received is:
Centre/CESU issues
If there is a concern in your location do not immediately put in a sub branch motion.
We have the command hub to address our concerns and give us answers to them and to maintain a consistent approach throughout the state.
The process prior to doing a motion is as follows:
Speak to your local managers;
Get the issue placed on the issues register;
If it cannot be resolved locally, then forward the issue to the Command Hub;
The Command Hub will then respond to the issue and the outcome can be placed on the issues register for everyone to see on the shared drive.
If the outcome is not to the sub branches liking then the delegate is to contact a member of the state executive, preferably Amanda as she in the Hub, Nicole or Jason and we will liaise with the Directors or Assistant Commissioners.
All questions will be put in a FAQ and will be put on the intranet.
If all members can look at the intranet first for information, or ask local management prior to emailing the Command Hub it would be appreciated. The Hub received more than 500 emails today. Most could have been answered locally.
Police – new inmates
Police are now doing a two-page screening form. If an inmate is a Police Bail Refused and answers yes to any of the screening questions they will remain in Police Custody until cleared.
If a remand inmate answers yes to any of the screening forms they will be sent to a correctional centre.
These forms will go with the inmate so staff can see that the inmate has been screened by police. This does not mean that we do not do CSNSW screening when we receive them.
If an inmate does not have the Police screening form, do not receive the inmate. Contact your local manager for direction.
Then contact a member of the state executive for guidance if you have further concerns.
PPE
There are worldwide shortages of PPE equipment. CSNSW is doing everything to get the equipment we need. We have sought confirmation from CESU that it will be coming, if not there already there. CSNSW is also working on sourcing large amounts in general for all locations.
We need to remember that the white suits that we use for incidents like blood spills when dealing with inmates are actually more effective than what nurses are using in hospitals. The spit masks that we have can be used to cover the eyes. Nurses use a mask that does not cover the eyes.
Only use the PPE gear if it is determined to be needed. Members are to remember that the health protocols are the infected person wears a mask to prevent further infection. People wearing a mask that are not in direct contact with an infected person is not necessary.
Hygiene
It is essential individuals maintain a high level of self-hygiene, washing hands regularly as stated by health protocols. Wash down benches and surfaces on an increased level. Get inmates to increase their personal hygiene and wing cleanliness.
Section 23s
Section 23s cannot stop, as this is our core business and we have to continue making vacancies in the front end of Corrective Services. This is so the MRRC, SWCC and other reception centres can take fresh custodies.
The Command Hub has agreed today to do screening on inmates prior to being placed on a truck.
It is up to each centre to devise in their contingency plan if they want to screen the inmate again when they are received into the centre.
Contingency plans
Every location should have started on their contingency plans and have clear direction on what is to happen in the case of a positive result for an inmate/s or officer/s.
If this has not happened, please let us know.
Staff need to be encouraged to read these plans.
When communicating on this matter we need to remember to remain calm, if you are not high risk, live with someone who is high risk getting the virus is minimal.
The concern worldwide is for the vulnerable and high-risk.
We understand that lack of information can cause anxiety and the feeling out in the community with the lack of cleaning products, toiletries, food and panic does not help. We are attempting to get the information and assist with communication through bulletins PSA and CSNSW, FAQs on the intrant, updated contingency plans as things change, and each centre location should be briefed daily on any events that may have happened the day/night before.
Casuals
PSA is working with CSNSW on the matter of casuals being paid if they get COVID 19 and hopefully something will be decided in the coming days in favour of this.
Works release/day release
The Command Hub is looking at this issue and will have an answer on this for centres that carry our works release and day release in the coming days.
Contact visits
Amanda has confirmed that this was discussed today and a decision on whether the restrictions continue will be decided on in the coming days.
Self-isolation
If you are feeling unwell with flu like symptoms you are to stay home. Seek advice from your Doctor. If you cannot get into your doctor you can ring an assistance number, is on the intranet, called Health Direct 1800 022 222.
When we met with Department Communities and Justice they stated staff can call that number, get triaged, advice and can get a certificate.
We know that many members have concerns about taking leave and then being cautioned or not get permanency or increments.
These are exceptional circumstances and the Health advice is if you have flu like symptoms stay home until cleared by a medical professional.
PSA/POVB will support members if they find themselves in a situation later that they do not get permanency or an increment based on the leave they have taken during this time. Make sure you have a certificate and that you seek advice from a medical professional.
Contact details
Nicole Jess Chairperson 0427 609 199
Jason Charlton Vice Chairperson 0401 500 976
Amanda Cotter Secretary 0404 042 600
Thor Sutherland Assistant Secretary 0447 633 476
Darren King Country Vice Chair 0407 935 039
Natalie Howes Country Vice Chair 0407 011 441
David McCauley POVB Industrial Officer 0419 022 767
This week, the PSA wrote to the ODPP to confirm the measures taken by the Office in regard to COVID-19. The ODPP responded and advised that it:
Has issued many communications to staff with related material from various sources (NSW Health, NSW Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Supreme, District and Local Courts, etc) informing and educating all staff on appropriate practices, actions and impacts.
Has established a dedicated COVID-19 intranet site which staff are being directed to. It includes updates on all aspects of relevant material, NSW Health Updates, Court updates, leave and attendance information.
Has established a core team of senior executives to determine ongoing strategies and oversee the ODPP’s responses to various matters that arise.
Has senior executives working with line managers in relation to individual concerns from staff and responding as quickly as possible.
Has established a Pandemic Service Delivery Continuity Plan which has been communicated to relevant staff.
Has conducted a series BCP ‘scenario planning’ specifically testing aspects of our pandemic response.
Has recognised as a significant organisational risk and placed on the agenda for the next Audit and Risk Meeting.
Has established a register in relation to staff to monitor and track all COVID 19 related issues and incidents raised by staff.
Is consulting with Courts and Tribunal Services, Legal Aid NSW, Department of Communities and Justice and the Prosecutions Command in Police on a regular and ongoing basis and informing all staff of this as the situation progresses (as per 1 above).
The DPP personally has been liaising with the Chief Judge of the District Court as to alternative court arrangements in relation to jury trials and low-contact work.
Is implementing strategies to avoid gatherings of large cohorts of critical staff and use of technology over face-to-face contact.
Has introduced social distancing options and flexible working arrangements where possible and practical and will continue to review options to expand these options (especially for those staff who are considered vulnerable with respect of COVID-19).
Has arranged flu vaccinations to be rolled out to staff in April.
The ODPP has also advised that they are continuing to receive new and changing information every day and doing their best to ensure staff are kept up to date and safe.
If members have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the PSA.
Your PSA staff
Alex Sala Organiser Monika Wunderlin Industrial Officer
The CPSU NSW has written to Parklea Governor, Paul Baker, urging MTC-Broadspectrum to act early and implement a range of unprecedented measures to protect the health and financial wellbeing of staff during the COVID-19 health crisis. Click HERE to view a copy of our letter.
The union has encouraged MTC-Broadspectrum to take its lead from the NSW Government and support staff with additional leave arrangements to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Governments and businesses in Australia and around the world are conscious that COVID-19 will place enormous pressure on budgets and profitability, and many are responding admirably by introducing support measures to assist employees weather the current crisis.
The CPSU NSW is ready to work with employers to discuss and tailor strategies to ensure best practice initiatives are implemented, and employees are both safe at work and secure at home.
For further advice, contact your local Delegates or Thane Pearce at the CPSU NSW on 1800 772 679.
The CPSU NSW has written to NSW Aboriginal Land Council CEO, James Christian, urging the organization to act early and implement a range of unprecedented measures to protect the health and financial wellbeing of staff during the COVID-19 health crisis. Click HERE to view a copy of the letter.
The union has encouraged NSWALC to take its lead from the NSW Government and support staff with additional leave arrangements to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Governments, non-government organisations and businesses in Australia and around the world are conscious that COVID-19 will place enormous pressure on operating budgets, and many are responding admirably by introducing support measures to assist employees weather the current crisis.
The CPSU NSW is ready to work with employers to discuss and tailor strategies to ensure best practice initiatives are implemented, and employees are both safe at work and secure at home.
For further advice contact Kirra Jackson or Thane Pearce at the CPSU NSW on 1800 772 679.
Coronavirus update – Housing, FACS & Community Services
Yesterday PSA Delegates and staff met with Senior Officers of DCJ about the coronavirus and the steps that have been taken to reduce the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.
The Department’s intranet site has a section devoted to the latest information available and staff are strongly encouraged to monitor it regularly as this is an ever changing situation. This information is also available on the internet in case you don’t have access to the intranet while at home or in the field. The internet address is: www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus-information-for-staff
Clients have been advising by social media and text messaging that they can use a range of different way to do business with the department rather than attend local offices.
Advice has been sent to all staff about protocols to use prior to home visits, if you are unable to contact clients prior to visiting then you can ask the questions when you arrive and if appropriate then staff can reschedule the appointment.
Extra office cleaning has been arranged in some areas and the department is working with the government property office on additional cleaning for locations covered by a broader government cleaning contract.
More current posters are being produced for display in offices and they will also be published on the intranet/internet.
If you are using a pool car please use a sanitised cloth (wet wipe) to wipe down the steering wheel, gearstick and door handle before use.
The department is currently reviewing (in conjunction with the Office of Children’s Guardian) what other arrangements can be made for contact visits for children in out of home care. The department will provide advice to staff as soon as the arrangements are in place.
As you know things can change very rapidly and the department is looking at what work, visits, meetings can be delayed or cancelled should the circumstances require.
Please do not hesitate to contact your PSA Delegates or the PSA Member Support Centre if you need assistance or advice.
Supporting the work of your union
You can 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 by email their signature block to with “update work details” in the subject line.
Victims Services: Working from home and sick leave
Members have contacted the PSA in relation to issues regarding working from home. Members have advised that they are to work standard hours, that is seven hours, without the ability to accrue flex leave or the ability to finish and start early. This is an unnegotiated decision management has unilaterally imposed on members. Members have also advised that there is no debrief or escalation process for distressing calls when working from home.
In regard to sick leave, members have expressed they are afraid that taking sick leave will lead to their performance being questioned. This kind of workplace culture should not exist. The PSA takes any instance where a member is victimised for taking sick leave seriously.
The PSA will be in contact with Victims Services in relation to these issues. Members will be updated as a matter of course.
A number of members have raised concerns with the PSA and we have been actively following up with the Department in relation to the current COVID-19 responses for Service Centre NSW staff.
The PSA has concerns for the safety of members, particularly Driver Testers who are unable to practice the advised social distancing of 1.5 metres, as recommended by NSW Health.
Further concerns have also been raised as to the lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Centre staff including the provisions of gloves and face masks.
The PSA has written to the CEO requesting that Driver Testing be suspended and that PPE be provided for all staff. The PSA is expecting further advice to be released by Service NSW tomorrow Wednesday 18 March 2020.
As always, any staff member who has concerns about their safety has the right to cease unsafe work in accordance with s.84 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Members who have any concerns about their safety should raise concerns with their supervisor and are reminded of the provisions of the Premiers Circular 2020-01 inTHIS BULLETIN.
