PSA General Secretary, Stewart Little goes on the front foot about the fiery impact of cuts to Regional Managers in National Parks.
Read the Sydney Morning Herald article HERE.
Office of Environment & Heritage relisting – November 2016 (PDF version)
On 28 October the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and the PSA appeared before Commissioner Newall, who gave both parties leave to relist the matter if required. The PSA has now relisted this matter based on OEH directing managers to include 45 weekend days for all areas in all rosters without consulting the PSA.
The PSA delegates and OEH management developed the terms of reference for regional committees, as per the Employees (Offices of Environment and Heritage-National Parks and Wildlife Services) Award, to look at the 45 weekend day roster.
The PSA has been advised draft rosters are due to be completed by 11 November 2016 in all areas with the inclusion of 45 weekend days.
Office of Environment and Heritage – update on IRC – October 2016 (PDF version)
On 14 September, the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) lodged a dispute notification in the IRC relating to the PSA imposing work bans. The matter was listed before Commissioner Newall. Commissioner Newall made strong recommendations for the PSA to lift the bans, which your union complied with.
Also per the recommendations, parties were to meet. Sustainability meetings were held on 28 September and 7 October 2016. Commissioner Newell, in handing down his recommendations, granted both parties liberty to relist the matter before the Commission at short notice if necessary.
On 7 October, at the sustainability meeting OEH agreed to form a committee comprising of PSA delegates and management to develop the Terms of Reference for the regional committees as per the Award. The PSA was of the understanding that these regional committees were to look at weekend-rostering in each region as per the Award.
The PSA has been given a copy of the NPWS Deputy Chief Executive’s memorandum No. 22/2016 dated 19 October 2016, advising staff of an update on NPWS and CED roster template rollout. The PSA had not been engaged in any consultation as per agreed outcomes of the 7 October sustainability meeting.
On the basis that there had been no consultation with the PSA prior to Deputy Chief Executive’s memorandum being issued, the PSA relisted the matter in the IRC.
The matter was heard before Commissioner Newall on Friday, 28 October 2016.
Your union advised the Commissioner OEH management failed to consult with the PSA prior to issuing the memorandum. The PSA sought directions from the Commissioner to have Deputy Chief Executive’s memo withdrawn until such time as regional committees were formed as per the Award.
Commissioner Newell requested the Department write to staff to advise that work was to cease on the 12-month rostering template and that the roster is in DRAFT form only until such time as genuine and appropriate consultation takes place with the PSA and regional committees formed to examine if working 45 weekend days are operationally necessary and efficient for NPWS field operations.
The PSA will relist the matter in the IRC if OEH does not comply with Commissioner Newall’s request.
Office of Environment Heritage Bulletin number 8 Work Bans September 16 2016 (PDF Version)
As result of the PSA imposing work bans, NSW National Park and Wildlife, the Office of Environment and Heritage listed an urgent matter before the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW. The matter was heard before Commissioner Newell 14 September where the Commissioner made the following recommendation:
Commissioner Newall gave leave to the parties to relist the matter if either party had any concerns. On that basis of Commissioner Newall’s recommendations and the fact that the Department are now required to consult, the PSA is lifting work bans immediately.
Office-of-environment-heritage-parks-and-wildlife-award-variation-september-2016 (PDF version)
As you were advised in Bulletin No: 4 and 5, the Public Service Association of NSW (PSA) and Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) could not come to agreement on an Award variation.
On 7 September 2016, Communication sent all staff a seven-day Roster Review and Statewide rostering template, authored by Deputy Chief Executive Michael Wright, (Deputy Chief Executive Memo).
Staff were advised OEH had written to the unions to initiate a seven-day roster review for Rangers and Field Offices classifications.
The PSA received formal notification on 7 September 2016 of OEH’s proposal. The PSA’s position has always been not to trade-off award conditions. This remains your union’s position.
The PSA advises members of the no-extra-claims clause in the award and that it was extremely premature of the Department to issue a memo advising of the new roster system protocol in the absence of any consultation with the union at this point.
The PSA directs members not to engage in this process until formal and proper consultation takes place between OEH and the PSA.
We are stronger together, meaning the more members we have the stronger we are. You can do this by ensuring non-members join the PSA. Joining the PSA allows us to collectively work towards fighting for, and protecting, your rights at work.
On 30 June 2016, Michael Wright, Deputy Chief Executive NPWS Office of Environment & Heritage sent all staff the following memo:
“Today, OEH and the AWU reached agreement on award variations and other related industrial matters. The Crown Employees (Office of Environment and Heritage – National Parks and Wildlife Service) Field Officers and Skilled Trades Salaries and Conditions 2016 Award will come into effect on 1 July 2016.”
Mr Wright advised staff that the PSA has not agreed to the use of the new and varied classifications.
Mr Wright also advised that future Field Officer positions in Kosciuszko National Park and Georges River National Park would be covered by the Australian Workers Union until further notice.
The PSA opposes any attempt by OEH to hand over PSA Field Officers members in Kosciuszko National Park and Georges River National Park to the AWU.
The PSA will not relinquish coverage of Field Officers in Kosciuszko National Park and Georges River National Park and has written to the OEH strongly expressing our position.
Speak to your fellow colleagues and get them interested in our campaign.
Ask a fellow worker to join the PSA so we are stronger together.
Print this and place it on your PSA notice board or send to a non-member.
We are stronger together, meaning the more members we have the stronger we are. You can do this by ensuring non-members join the PSA. Joining the PSA allows us to collectively fight to protect your rights at work.
As advised in Industrial Bulletin No: 4, the PSA and Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) could not come to agreement on an award variation.
Prior to the meeting, OEH wrote to the PSA seeking a variation of the award for the Ranger classification.
OEH proposed that the Ranger classification bands in the future, if accepted by members, be as follows:
Ranger Grade 1/1 (1 Level 1)
Ranger Grade 1/2 (1 Level 2)
Ranger Grade 1/3 (1 Level 3)
Ranger Grade 1/4 (1 Level 4)
Ranger Grade 2/1 (2 Level 1)
Ranger Grade 2/2 (2 Level 2)
Ranger Grade 2/3 (2 Level 3)
Ranger Grade 3/1 (3 Level 1)
Ranger Grade 3/2 (3 Level 2)
Ranger Grade 3/3 (3 Level 3)
OEH also provided the following information regarding the implementation of the new Ranger classification.
“The new Ranger classifications would be implemented by moving existing ongoing Ranger staff directly into the new level inside the applicable grades based on the current salary of the Ranger. Rangers will progress inside the applicable grade and movement between grades will be by merit selection as vacancies arise from time to time. No existing ongoing Ranger will suffer any loss to their base salary and they may continue to progress to new levels inside the new grade until the top of that grade is reached.
Degree qualification
I have listened to the PSA concerns about the requirement for degree qualifications for Rangers. I propose that the degree qualification remain as a prerequisite for the Ranger Grade 3 and Senior Ranger classifications. Ranger Grade 1 and Ranger Grade 2 positions would not have degree requirements, however all roles at those grades will be required to have “relevant qualifications and/or demonstrated experience” in accordance with the GSE capability framework.”
A large number of Rangers have already progressed to the top of the existing Ranger classification.
The PSA considered OEH hard barriers proposal, but could not agree to the removal of degree qualifications for Rangers at the 1 and 2 level.
By removing degree qualifications for Ranger bands Grade 1 and 2, OEH could initiate a restructure of each National Park area and implement a complete new Ranger structure.
OEH have stated a large number of current Rangers are at the highest band; therefore, the Rangers at that band would have to compete for their roles and win on merit.
If Rangers were unsuccessful in applying for a Grade 3 or 2 Ranger role they may become an excess employee and could potentially be all forced out of the organisation.
OEH could not give the PSA an undertaking that there would not be area restructures after the introduction of the hard barriers.
The PSA will continue its efforts to secure a Ranger structure which is fair and maintains the employment of our current Rangers.
Speak to your fellow colleagues to get them interested in our campaign.
Ask a fellow worker to join the PSA so we are stronger together.
Print this and place it on your PSA notice board or send to a non-member.
We are stronger together, meaning the more members we have the stronger we are. You can do this by ensuring non-members join the PSA. Joining the PSA allows us to collectively fight to protect your rights at work.
The PSA lodged a dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) in relation to the deletion of 5 Area Manager roles. The PSA raised concerns that the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH):
The PSA argued that OEH did not follow the Consultation Arrangements Guidelines 1997. The Voluntary Redundancy Program Guidelines state a VR offer must not be made in circumstances where its acceptance would: “adversely affect the delivery of services”.
Also, OEH did not follow the Agency Change Management Guidelines, Clause 4.2 – agencies or part of agencies, undergoing significant organisational change are required to prepare an organisational CMP and submit to the Director-General of the agency cluster for approval.
OEH informed the IRC that these Area Manager roles are not significant to the running of NSW National Parks.
The Commissioner provided assistance and supported the principles of the PSA’s application and requested OEH write to the PSA and clarify what additional transitional arrangements would be put in place after the removal of the 5 Area Manager roles.
The PSA requested a role description for the transition roles and also requested information on who would be eligible to apply for those roles.
The PSA also requires information on what functions would be undertaken by Regional Managers in supporting the transitional roles.
The Commissioner supported the PSA and believes that OEH should have had a Change Management Plan in place prior to allowing the regional managers to leave the organisation.
The Commissioner also supported the PSA request the matter be stood over for four weeks and have it relisted, if the PSA was not satisfied with the response from OEH.
We are stronger together, meaning the more members we have, the stronger we are. You can do this by ensuring non-members join the PSA. Joining the PSA allows us to collectively fight to protect your rights at work.
Speak to your fellow colleagues and get them interested in our campaign.
Print this and place it on your PSA notice board or send to a non-member.
National Parks Wildlife Service Award update – June 2016 (PDF version)
On Wednesday 22 June, PSA delegates and OEH representatives met to further discuss NPWS proposals to change or amend certain provisions in the NPWS Award. Prior to the meeting, the PSA wrote to OEH to offer an alternative proposal.
The key points in the letter are:
At Wednesday’s meeting, the PSA sought clarity and definition on role descriptions for a future Ranger classification. When asked to consider how capabilities compare against the proposed classification, the agency could not provide a detailed capability assessment.
The PSA continues to be willing to negotiate, however cannot in good faith continue discussions with the agency without clarity on what your role (or band) classification will be in the future. The PSA believes the current role description represents the base level requirement for any classification.
It is unfortunate that the meeting broke down when OEH representatives decided to leave without reaching agreement on any of the issues discussed.
The PSA is in a strong position to maintain and protect your award conditions and we will continue and fight to do so. The PSA advises members that the ‘no extra claims’ clause contained in the NPWS Award continues to apply to all members which means you are protected from any new claims that may be to your disadvantage.
We are stronger together, meaning the more members we have the stronger we are. You can do this by ensuring non-members join the PSA. Joining the PSA allows us to collectively work towards fighting for, and protecting, your rights at work.
Please consider the PSA new membership reward program. Existing members receive a $75 gift card for signing up a new member. More details HERE.
Sydney Metro – Anita Zubovic
South West Metro – Ben Owers/Raf Pedrosa
Illawarra – Jennifer Bean
South Coast – Alex Deura
Far South Coast – George Malolakis
Blue Mountains – Kim De Govrik
Far West – John Holcombe
North Coast – Peter Clark
Southern Ranges – Steve Carter/Trish Swain
New England/Far North Coast – Ann Walton/Martin Smith
Your Pay, Your Say Landcom (UrbanGrowth) Award Update – June 2016 (PDF version)
On 27 May you were sent an email inviting you to vote on whether the PSA should accept the Government’s offer of a 2.5 percent pay increase for one year with no change of conditions.
With seven members voting, the message is clear. All participants voted to accept the offer.
The PSA has acted on your wishes. In the Industrial Relations Commission on Thursday 2 June we made the Landcom Award 2016. This new Award will come into effect from 1 July 2016 and deliver you a 2.5 percent rise from the first full pay period after that date.
Anne Gardiner
PSA General Secretary
Office of Environment and Heritage NPWS Award – June 2016 (PDF version)
PSA staff and your PSA National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) delegates recently attended sustainability meetings with representatives from Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and NPWS. These meetings were to address the agency’s budget shortfall and to ensure it continues to be financially sustainable.
Most of OEH and NPWS proposals at these meetings focused on two primary principles:
Both a letter from Mr Michael Wright, the NPWS Deputy Chief Executive, and the NPWS Log of Claims on the Award can be viewed HERE.
Members can be assured the PSA is committed to defending your conditions in the NPWS Award. Throughout our many meetings, the PSA has clearly articulated to OEH and NPWS that the overwhelming view of our members is to protect the NPWS Award, which remains our principle mandate.
The PSA has written to OEH to categorically reinforce this commitment; you can view this letter HERE.
Any plans to restructure will need to be via consultation with the PSA and we will advocate for fair, transparent processes that capture the commitment and loyalty shown by staff.
Following this correspondence, the PSA held a productive meeting with OEH on Thursday 2 June 2016. At the meeting, OEH committed to write to the PSA with a proposal for members to consider, which may include some Award variations.
The PSA will seek the advice of our membership and provide feedback to this proposal. However, the PSA will not agree to any changes that diminish the pay and conditions currently available to existing members.
The PSA appreciates the overwhelming support we have received from NPWS staff and requests members remain vigilant and united whilst we continue to seek a suitable resolution to this matter.
Speak to your work colleagues about why it is important to fight and protect the NPWS Award and why becoming a member is the best way to support the union that supports you.
Your Pay, Your say Landcom Award – May 2016 (PDF version)
The PSA lodged an application for new salaries to apply from 1 July 2016 for a period of two years. The application included a proposal for a 2.5 percent pay increase each year for two years.
At the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) on 29 April 2016 the PSA sought hearing dates as the Government’s industrial relations laws now make it very difficult to secure back pay for any award should agreement not be reached by 1 July 2016.
The IRC directed the parties to discuss the PSA’s application and set out a series of dates to ensure the matter was finalised as soon as possible.
At the Commission on 26 May 2016 the Government responded to our application and formally offered a 2.5 percent increase for one year only, with no change to conditions.
The PSA seeks your endorsement of this salary offer so that we may proceed to reach agreement with the Government. The PSA’s advice is that members accept this offer.
The PSA is due back in the Commission on 2 June 2016, and if the above offer is endorsed by members, the award may be made on that date.
Rejecting the offer of a one-year agreement would mean the PSA would have to arbitrate the matter at the Commission and may delay the implementation of the pay increase received. Although we could seek back pay as part of the agreement, this would not be guaranteed and may affect people leaving the service between 1 July, 2016 and the final decision being reached.
To have your say on whether you think the PSA should accept the offer click HERE.
Anne Gardiner
PSA General Secretary