CPSU NSW weekly update: University of Wollongong

In response to the current health crisis and its unprecedented impact on the tertiary education sector, the CPSU NSW had set up an online forum for you to ask questions, seek help and stay informed:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K25M9KV

Here is our first weekly update where we 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.

CPSU Questions & Answers to UoW Covid-19 Response

Redundancies
Will there be forced redundancies? Voluntary redundancies?

We have not been formally advised by UoW about whether there will be forced or voluntary redundancies. We will be seeking advice on if this is currently being considered. It is likely that this would be part of the suite of options that UoW is considering. The CPSU NSW will be advocating to keep as many jobs as possible.

Job security
What will happen to staff whose jobs have been most impacted, such as staff who work in student mobility?

It is the view of the CPSU NSW that these positions will be essential to the ongoing success of UoW when travel bans are lifted. We have been advocating for the temporary use of staff who may have experienced a reduction in workload in areas of UoW where there has been an increase in workload. We will seek advice on specific areas affected from UoW. The CPSU will be advocating to keep as many jobs as possible.

How can I take leave to do my part to contribute to savings? Like you were saying, I am not in favour of a pay cut at our level and a reduction of hours isn’t feasible for my role – likely the same for many. So taking leave is something I am more than happy to consider and it would be useful to get a clear guide from UoW management about how they see this working best to contribute to savings.

We will be seeking advice from UoW Management on these issues. The CPSU NSW is seeking details on UoW finances.

Salary issues
Will the salary increases in the Enterprise Agreement be postponed?

The salary increases in the EA are embedded as law unless there is a renegotiation of the EA that is voted on by staff and accepted by Fair Work Australia. However legislation has passed where to change an EA there is only a one-day viewing period prior to a vote. The CPSU NSW is writing to the VC to get an undertaking to have a seven-day period (as normal) prior to any voting for changes.

If salary cuts or delayed increments are on the table, this will have a significant impact on superannuation, particularly for those in a defined benefit with fewer than five years until retirement. This will impact the average salary over five years which is the basis of the retirement benefit calculation. How can this be addressed?

There have been no formal requests for delayed increments as yet. If this is proposed we will ask UoW to provide us with detailed information regarding how this will affect retirement benefit calculation. We will insist a formal response to this (and if required insist UoW seek a formal response from UniSuper).

In short, surely it is not reasonable or equitable to suggest that permanent staff at UoW consider a pay-cut or reducing of hours?

We do not consider this to be reasonable. The CPSU NSW believes that there are many options available to UoW prior to this being necessary.

Whilst the big-earners have opted as a group to take a 20 per cent pay cut, surely this cannot be enforced for main staff at UoW. Nor is it possible to manage an environment where some people choose to do this and others don’t?

Salaries are set through the EA. Changes to salary cannot be enforced without a change to this EA. The CPSU NSW will be making strong representation to stop any move to reduce the income of our members.

What superannuation implications would there be taking a paycut?

In short, we do not know. The CPSU NSW will not be endorsing a pay cut for our members.

Are we not helping UoW already by working from home, paying for electricity and internet usage? Our weekly wage has already gone down with these extra costs.

There would be cost savings from UoW having empty campuses. There is a cost burden for staff working from home. Though the Australian Tax Office if offering a special deduction, the cost of working from home is being born by members. We will be asking UoW for details on the cost savings on campuses from staff working from home.

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 UoW 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 .

Significant win for casuals

The PSA has achieved another significant win – eligible MAAS casual employees will again be paid for this single pay period.

Last Friday, we wrote to management requesting casuals be kept engaged and employed.

While we still need to review the detail, we welcome the decision as a step in the right direction.

While this payment is short-term relief, we understand this is a stressful period for many employees, especially casuals.

As a casual, many of you have loyally served MAAS and the NSW Government for up to 20 years. We believe you deserve a commitment from MAAS that you will be paid continuously over the COVID-19 period. We believe it is not appropriate to send you to the Centrelink queue. As you will be aware, NSW Government agencies are not entitled to the JobKeeper payments.

We believe it is time MAAS commits to you, its valuable casual employee.

The PSA is calling on MAAS management and the NSW Government – commit to paying long-term casuals until they are redeployed.

The PSA is calling on the NSW Government – do not add a single casual to the Centrelink queue, and assist the MAAS in keeping its workers employed.

We believe the best way MAAS management can show you are a valued employee, is to keep you just that – employed.

Join the PSA

The PSA is in YOUR corner. We will never stop advocating to keep you engaged and employed. Forward this email to a colleague and tell them to join today at psa.asn.au/join.

If you have an issue surrounding the casual support payment, please contact a PSA Delegate, or contact the PSA.

CPSU NSW UPDATE: Working from home arrangements a critical matter of public safety

We wish to remind members the CPSU NSW strongly supports flexible arrangements that allow TAFE NSW staff to work from home (WFH) during the current health crisis.

TAFE NSW has repeatedly stressed that where possible staff should be supported to work from home, and considerable effort has been put into ensuring business continuity in response to NSW Government restrictions on social gathering.

The CPSU NSW supports this approach, and reminds members that until the advice from NSW Health changes, WFH arrangements should remain in place.

If your manager suggests you apply or reapply for WFH, we strongly recommend you make the application. If you haven’t yet had the conversation about WFH, be proactive and speak to your boss – if you need advice or assistance, we’re here to help!

While NSW has made significant steps to reduce the rate of infection, we must remain vigilant and follow the advice of the health authorities. As our politicians and public service leaders remind us, being vigilant is a matter of public safety and a question of “life or death”.

If your manager declines your application, but you believe your role can be carried out remotely, contact us.

If you are in a high-risk category, and your application for WFH has been decline contact us immediately by either emailing your local delegate or calling our Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 and quoting “#129342.”

Not a member of the CPSU NSW? Join the union HERE.

CONTACT THE CPSU NSW

Industrial Officer
Matthew Drake-Brockman

Organisers
Shane Jobberns
Chris Bird

Your CPSU NSW delegates

South Region

Wollongong
Brad Cowie

Illawarra
Regina Kimmich regina.kimmich@tafensw.edu.au
Chris Pickering

Albury
Christopher Hobbins

West Region

Parkes
Leanne Riley

Dubbo
Patricia Nethery

North Region

Hunter
Gale Iseppi

Tighes Hill
Liz Garlick

Newcastle
Stephen O’Brien

Coffs Harbour
Brook Down

North
Walter Upson

Sydney Region

Ultimo
Dawn Davis
George Bissoli
Simon Gray

St Leonards
Joe Harris

Hornsby
Patrick Kiss

Western Sydney Region

Campbelltown
Tracey Doyle

Richmond
Joanna Carroll

Blue Mountains
Glenda Pryor

Strathfield
Isabella Ramirra

TAFE Digital

Jin Cho

PSA Term 2 update: extension of contracts, safety at school and staying connected with the union

We hope you all had a restful, if socially distanced, break and are ready for another unusual and challenging term.

The PSA is back on the road – organise a meeting or visit now

During the coming months PSA Organisers will be visiting schools to drop off information and to keep members informed.

If you would like a meeting at your school this can occur face-to-face, adhering to strict social distancing measures, or by teleconference or video call.

If you would like a meeting please. don’t hesitate to contact your Organiser. Alternatively you can contact the schools team at %20"> or Member Support Centre on 1800 772 679 to request a visit.

Your organisers are

Metro

Ann Attwater
Marisa Bosco
Susan Chee Quee
Surabi Alauddin
Les Marsden
Brett Hammond (GAs)

Regional

Paul James, Gino Di Candilo and Ian Braithwaite (Newcastle/Hunter)
Rebecca Riley and Asren Pugh (North Coast)
Bart Mackenzie and Shane Elliot (South Coast)
Steve Mears (North West)
Belinda Pearce (Central West)
Michelle Mackintosh (South West)

Win for 3000 Temporary Support Staff in Schools – the PSA is behind you

Late last week the PSA sent out a bulletin about a massive win for temporary employees who were living with employment uncertainty. Their contracts will now be rolled over into term 2.

This comes after weeks of your union raising the issue of extension of contracts and employee protections with the Department of Education and is another great win for PSA members.

Temporary employees can now continue to support students, teaching staff and their school communities as well as earn a living and support themselves during the COVID-19 crisis.

As a member of the PSA you can be confident your workplace rights and protections will always be fought for. Your union will always be behind you.

With students slowly returning your safety is paramount

The Principal is responsible for the safety for all staff and students on site. If you have concerns for your health and safety, please raise them immediately with your Principal.

If the concerns are not addressed, please lodge an incident with the WHS line. Contact the PSA if no action is taken to address your concerns.

We know that there are some difficult situations to manage while social distancing and we can provide guidance and assistance where necessary.

If you are a member you can contact the PSA on 1800 772 679 for advice and support.

Professional development

The PSA encourages all members to think about what training and upskilling you can do throughout the term. The Department of Education has developed a range of professional development resources and professional learning sessions for staff to use during this time.

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 the PSA.

All temporary and permanent staff can join the PSA including all School Administrative and Support Staff, Psychologists, General and Farm Assistants, paraprofessionals such as Community Liaison Officers and Business Managers.

Now more than ever you need your union to be strong and joining up your colleagues is the best way to support the PSA.

TAFE DC elections postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis

A call for nominations for TAFE Delegates Council 2020 was published in the April-June 2020 Red Tape (page 41). The elections were scheduled to occur prior to the current health crisis.

The CPSU/PSA Executive has received a request from the current TAFE Delegates Council to temporarily postpone elections.

On Monday, 27 April the Executive resolved to support the Council’s request and postpone elections for a period of six months.

A call for nominations will be published in the October-December 2020 edition of Red Tape.

Interested members are encouraged to nominate at this time.

Not a member of the CPSU NSW? Join the union HERE.

CONTACT THE CPSU NSW

Industrial Officer
Matthew Drake-Brockman

Organisers
Shane Jobberns
Chris Bird

Your CPSU NSW delegates

South Region

Wollongong
Brad Cowie

Illawarra
Regina Kimmich regina.kimmich@tafensw.edu.au
Chris Pickering

Albury
Christopher Hobbins

West Region

Parkes
Leanne Riley

Dubbo
Patricia Nethery

North Region

Hunter
Gale Iseppi

Tighes Hill
Liz Garlick

Newcastle
Stephen O’Brien

Coffs Harbour
Brook Down

North
Walter Upson

Sydney Region

Ultimo
Dawn Davis
George Bissoli
Simon Gray

St Leonards
Joe Harris

Hornsby
Patrick Kiss

Western Sydney Region

Campbelltown
Tracey Doyle

Richmond
Joanna Carroll

Blue Mountains
Glenda Pryor

Strathfield
Isabella Ramirra

TAFE Digital

Jin Cho

The Department of Education Work from Home Survey closes TODAY

The PSA survey closes today at 5pm.

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.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY

Thank you to those of you that have sent your feedback, hearing from members is vital and supports the work of the PSA.

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 the PSA.

PSA Working Hard For Members during the Pandemic

Work from Home

Police have been slow to roll out work from home for suitable admin staff. At present it is likely that less than 20% of admin staff are working from home and there are many more who could. The PSA is keeping up the pressure in our meetings with senior management to speed up the roll-out and stop staff being unnecessarily brought back in to the office. If you think you should be working from home, you should make a formal application to your management using the application form on the Intranet.

Your application should demonstrate that it is practical and technologically possible for you to work from home and including any special circumstances such as medical conditions and carers’ responsibilities. If your application is rejected, or if you applied previously and were rejected, the PSA will assist you with an appeal to the Workforce Relations Command.

Social Distancing

Social distancing at work continues to be important. Members should raise any slipping of social distancing at the workplace with their colleagues and managers. This includes not staying 1.5 m from other staff and unnecessarily congregating in the office. Meetings should be by phone where possible. We all need to ensure that we continue to play our part in the national team effort to control the spread of COVID-19.

RLDs on Public Holidays

With the Easter and Anzac Day public holidays, staff need to check their rosters to ensure that public holidays have not been unreasonably rostered as RLDs. Public holidays should preferably be given free of duty. However, where this is not possible and one of your ordinary days off is rostered on that day, it makes a big difference whether that day is a Rest Day or and RLD. If it is a rest day, you can claim payment or another day off. If it is an RLD you can’t. Management can’t “manipulate the roster” to save money by putting staff on RLDs on public holidays. If you think you have been disadvantaged by having an RLD on a public holiday, contact the PSA to have the roster checked.

Members with concerns regarding safety, rosters, working from home, or any other issues are encouraged to contact their delegates or the PSA Member Support Centre.

Your PSA staff member is:

Andrew Wright – Industrial Officer
Email:
Phone: 0408 400146

A union workplace is a fairer workplace. Know a colleague who’s not yet a member? Get them to JOIN ONLINE TODAY!

Please encourage colleagues who are not yet members of the PSA to join now. In times of crisis, it is more important than ever for public sector workers to be union members.

PSA Member Support Centre 1800 772 679.

NPWS update – April 2020

Future roles casual employees in NPWS

The PSA has encouraged NPWS to consider casuals whose work has been affected by the closure of Visitor Centres and National Parks. We would like to see these staff used to assist with recovery work or any work that is consistent with their skill set. The PSA has been in talks with Public Sector Industrial Relations in order to secure employment for casuals right across the public sector, after many were originally told they would receive no further work in March.

DPIE Secretary Jim Betts has since confirmed that long-term casuals (those with greater than six months’ regular employment) will be continued to be employed until at least 25 September 2020. The PSA will continue fighting for employment with meaningful work beyond this point. To ensure casuals are protected from any job losses, we encourage non-members to join the PSA at www.psa.asn.au/join.

Demarcation dispute – Kosciusko National Park (KNP)

Recently the Industrial Relations Commission handed down its decision on this matter, finding in favour of the PSA. Hence the PSA will continue to have full coverage of Field Officers in KNP. The PSA is pleased this matter has been finalised.

NPWS JCC meeting

Deputy Secretary Atticus Fleming attended the meeting and acknowledged the efforts of members over the fire season. He indicated there is some uncertainty around the bushfire recovery work in terms of what will be covered by insurance and what funds will need to be covered internally. He also indicated there are no job cuts, just vacancies not being filled.

He stated there hasn’t been a reduction in firefighter numbers. He said NPWS will be identifying gaps and areas that need staff and will look at shuffling around resources to fill holes. The PSA asked that the training unit be looked at as a priority, as it has 50 per cent vacancy and we are at risk of compromising our RTO status. Management has committed to looking at it. There was no advice on resources for the pest program. For capital projects, funds for staff is built into the project allocation so overall NPWS staffing numbers are not affected.

HSRs

There has been no agreement on who will provide the HSR training package; the Department or the PSA. The DPIE stated it would refer the matter back to Safe Work NSW if no resolution is obtained. The PSA understands this has since happened. The Department wants to sort this out first before doing any review or calling for new nominations

WHS committees

The PSA was informed that the Director, Greater Sydney Branch would review the Greater Sydney committee. NPWS is still working out the structure of committee for 4PSQ. There seems to be several different ideas, but it is clear that having a committee based on geographical location alone hasn’t worked, so likely it will be a committee only for Park Programs staff in 4PSQ.

Fatigue management and incident shifts

NPWS has agreed to look at the wording around shift patterns as part of the Fire Management Manual update. It claims the FMM already covers IMT shifts being three days, with five as optional. NPWS believes most IMT staff wish to work a five-day shift. This will be included in any review of the FMM. It is requested that examples of members being asked to take their second stand down as a flex/rec/RDO be forwarded to Payroll for resolution

Incident claim form

NPWS does not wish to circulate a bulletin on this issue and has requested any member who has been paid incorrectly to contact Payroll.

Housing

Advice was given that anyone needing housing in Greater Sydney should contact their manager.

Meetings with the PSA

The PSA is still operating and available for visits, whether they be face-to-face (with appropriate social distancing procedures in place and where circumstances allow), or via video and teleconferencing. If you would like to arrange a PSA meeting for your site, contact your NPWS Organiser Kim de Govrik at .

Change to Annual Conference dates

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSA CPSU NSW Central Council has resolved that the 2020 Annual Conference now be held in September, along with the Country Conference. Aboriginal Conference is now planned for October 2020, and Women’s Conference the following month in November.

This decision was made in the best interests of our delegates, members, staff and the general public, as Annual Conference involves up to 300 people from throughout NSW gathering in close quarters at PSA House.

Central Council also acknowledges the rescheduled conference will have to comply with whatever public health orders are in place in September, October and November.

General Secretary Stewart Little has written to the Industrial Registrar Ms Melinda Morgan informing her of the change of date. All members of the PSA CPSU NSW will be kept informed about any further changes to our conference calendar.

Flex-Time – Your Rights at Work!

The PSA has received concerns from members about a lack of access to flex time entitlements as set out in the 2017 Justice Flexible Working Hours Agreement available HERE.

We encourage members to read this Agreement to familiarise themselves with their entitlements.

Amongst other things, members have raised concerns about:

being directed to only work seven hours per day;
being required to obtain advance written approval for any instance where they are working more or less than seven hours per day;
only being allowed to accrue flex time when a supervisor is present;
being required to find colleagues to cover their duties while accessing flex leave;
having starting and/or finishing times dictated to them by a supervisor separate to operational requirements; and
flex time entitlements being suspended due to COVID-19 or working from home

In a recent ruling in the Industrial Relations Commission with regards to Flex Time in NSW Police, it was clear that the Commission took a dim view of attempts to artificially limit access to the entitlement:

“It is not open to individual supervisors to impose additional arbitrary limitations on an employee’s right to accrue flex leave.”

Fleming v Commissioner of Police [2017] NSWIRComm 1023 (paragraph 59)

The PSA is concerned that local managers are developing policy on the run that is not consistent with Corrective Services NSW policy and is not compliant with the 2017 Justice Flexible Working Hours Agreement.

The current pandemic situation should not be used as an excuse by managers to remove one of your core conditions and members should have normal access to flex entitlements during this period.

However, members are reminded that they need to have meaningful work to do when accruing flex time and should be able to justify the work they are undertaking.

Managers are entitled to oversee that appropriately in line with the relevant provisions of the Flexible Working Hours Agreement.

Any member who is denied flex-time should seek written clarification from their manager stating the reasoning and can also provide them a copy of this bulletin and the 2017 Flexible Working Hours Agreement.

If they have concerns about the response, or are unable to obtain a written response, they should contact the PSA.

Your union will continue to fight for and defend the basic conditions and entitlements of members in Corrective Services NSW.

What can you do?

Not a member? Get involved by signing up!
Give a copy of this bulletin to your colleagues or put it on a noticeboard.
Ask a colleague to join the PSA.
Get involved by becoming a local union delegate or contact.

Your PSA Industrial Staff

Roland Harris – Industrial Officer

Leonie Wright – Organiser

Win for 3000 Temporary Support Staff in Schools: the PSA is behind you

As members would be aware, the PSA has been actively advocating for those on temporary contracts during this uncertain and difficult time. The PSA has been pushing for an extension of contracts so temporary employees can still support students, teaching staff and their school communities, as well as earn a living and support themselves during the COVID-19 crisis.

The NSW Government has now committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the pandemic.

This comes after weeks of your union raising the issue of extending contracts and employee protections with the Department of Education. It is another great win for PSA members.

The announcement gives 3000 support staff in schools, who were living with employment uncertainty, peace of mind. Their contracts will be rolled over into term 2.

As a member of the PSA you can be confident your workplace rights and protections will always be fought for. Your union will always be behind you.

You can 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 the PSA.

PSA staff are here to help

If you are impacted by changes to your contract, have been advised you are no longer needed, want advice on Special Leave or Work Health and Safety, then you should contact the PSA.

Member Support Centre 1800 772 679.

Important DoE Survey: COVID-19 and working from home

Over the last month the PSA has been contacted by members raising questions and concerns around different approaches being taken in relation to working from home.

In order to demonstrate clearly what is occurring across the state, the PSA is asking members to complete a short survey.

The survey results will inform discussions with the Department of Education.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY

The survey will only be open for a short period of time. It will close at 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.

Please take the time to complete the survey in the next day or two so that we can progress the issues at the Department of Education Joint Consultative Committee on 29 April 2020.

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 it to them and ask them to update their details at: membership.psa.asn.au or by calling 1800 772 679.

CPSU NSW weekly update: University of Wollongong

CPSU Questions & Answers to UoW Covid-19 Response

Recent News

Significant win for casuals

Join the PSA

Recent News

CPSU NSW UPDATE: Working from home arrangements a critical matter of public safety

Recent News

PSA Term 2 update: extension of contracts, safety at school and staying connected with the union

The PSA is back on the road – organise a meeting or visit now

Your organisers are

Win for 3000 Temporary Support Staff in Schools – the PSA is behind you

With students slowly returning your safety is paramount

Professional development

Help your colleagues stay safe, protected and supported with the PSA!

Other important PSA bulletins to read on Covid-19

Recent News

TAFE DC elections postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis

Recent News

The Department of Education Work from Home Survey closes TODAY

Do you know someone who is not a member?

Recent News

PSA Working Hard For Members during the Pandemic

Recent News

NPWS update – April 2020

Future roles casual employees in NPWS

Demarcation dispute – Kosciusko National Park (KNP)

NPWS JCC meeting

HSRs

WHS committees

Fatigue management and incident shifts

Incident claim form

Housing

Meetings with the PSA

Recent News

Change to Annual Conference dates

Recent News

Flex-Time – Your Rights at Work!

Recent News

Win for 3000 Temporary Support Staff in Schools: the PSA is behind you

Do you know someone who is not a member?

PSA staff are here to help

Recent News

Important DoE Survey: COVID-19 and working from home

Two easy things you can do to support your union

Recent News

Become a member today