Undervalued. Understaffed. Underpaid.
On Wednesday 26 June your delegates attended an extraordinary meeting of SOVBAG to discuss the next steps after the disappointing announcement that there was no funding allocated in this year’s budget for an immediate increase in Sheriff’s Officers remuneration.
It appears to be obvious to everyone other than the Government that members deserve better pay for the work that they do.
Despite a significant pay increase to the Senior Management, members have now waited for over two years and are being asked to wait even longer now that the new “Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy 2023” needs to be applied. The steps required as per this policy for the Uplift to progress are:
- The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) with the assistance of Public Sector Industrial Relations (PSIR) and NSW Treasury must submit a draft bargaining proposal to the Senior Officials Wages Advisory Committee (SOWAC). The role of SOWAC is to ensure that any Award outcomes are consistent with the Government Wages Policy.
- When SOWAC approves this bargaining policy, it can then be provided to the Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) for approval.
- DCJ will then receive bargaining parameters to begin negotiations.
- DCJ can then begin negotiations with the PSA around necessary changes to the award to enable the enhancement of salaries.
- When agreement is reached through these negotiations, the final positions can be provided back to SOWAC and ERC for final approval.
The PSA has already spoken to the Government, given the general salaries Award is due to be updated on 1 July, and specifically raised the need for a salary adjustment of Sheriff’s Officer pay. We will continue these discussions with the Government.
We also know that there is a Business Case that is in the hands of management, highlighting why members deserve better pay, and despite repeated requests, this business case has never been provided to your union.
SOVBAG Resolution
At Wednesday’s meeting, the Sheriff’s Office Vocational Branch Advisory Group committee passed the following motion unanimously:
The “Uplift” process undertaken so far has dragged on for far too long and is unacceptable.
We demand that the Government engage with our union representatives and provide a long-awaited offer.
Further, we demand that the Sheriff’s Office furnish a copy of the business case.
Effective immediately, we endorse any and all rolling industrial action and work bans that are necessary to achieve our demands.
All sub-branches are welcome to meet, consider, and implement any actions that they deem fit.
Respective heads of jurisdiction have already been notified of the resolution passed and potential action.
The Fight for Fair Pay Continues
Members can contact their local delegates for more information on future meetings.
It is important to know that you are protected in taking Industrial Action by Clause 64 of the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award 2009 which states that “There will be no victimisation of staff members prior to, during or following industrial action”.
While you wait for a local meeting, you will be receiving a link to contact your local MP and raise this issue to them as a local constituent. We encourage you to share this link with family, friends, and the public.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your local delegate or PSA Industrial Staff.
Yours in Union,
PSA Industrial Staff
Organiser – Marko Petrovic
Industrial Officer – Ben James
