Today, your PSA Industrial Staff and Sheriff’s Office Vocational Branch Advisory Group (SOVBAG) delegates met with the NSW Sheriff’s Office Senior Leadership Team for the JCC meeting. We have important updates to share.

Uplift Progress

While the Sheriff’s Office reported no new developments regarding the Uplift during the JCC meeting, PSA General Secretary Stewart Little provided an encouraging update to delegates afterwards:

• Active discussions between the PSA and the government are underway.
• Significant progress has been made in these negotiations.
• Due to the sensitive nature of these discussions, detailed information cannot be disclosed at this time.

It’s important to emphasise:

• Any offer from the Government will only be accepted if approved by a majority of PSA members.
• Once an offer is received, it will be put to a PSA member ballot.
• Only PSA members will have the right to vote on this decision.

This progress is a direct result of our collective efforts and sustained industrial action. Your continued solidarity has been instrumental in bringing the government to the negotiating table.

We will keep you informed of any further developments as soon as we are able to share more information.

Setting the Record Straight

We are aware that incorrect information has been circulating that the PSA has been delaying an uplift.

Your sacrifices—both big and small, from missed pay and travel disruptions to extended hours spent behind scanners have been the driving force behind this breakthrough.

It is also essential to recognise and celebrate the dedication and commitment shown by your delegates.

These people volunteer their time without any additional pay – investing a significant amount of their own hours, especially over the past few months. Their tireless commitment has played an instrumental role in this campaign.

Important Updates to Work Bans

Due to the welcome news of the government commencing serious discussions with the PSA, SOVBAG has resolved to make the following adjustments to the current Industrial action in an act of good faith.

Effective Tuesday, October 8 2024, the following direction from the PSA regarding work bans will be in place:

• Display association notices around screening points and counters.
• Conduct security screening only at permanent perimeter points with a minimum of 3 Sheriff’s Officers present.
• Decline to work at any location without 2 Sheriff’s Officers present.
• Decline to work more than 7 hours, unless offered overtime.
• All previous work bans are rescinded.

Note: The ban on extended hours does not apply to members employed under the Sheriff’s Operations Centre Shift Work Agreement 2018.

Do not cease the above bans until further notice from the PSA.

Only PSA members are protected while undertaking industrial action in accordance with our directions.

Additional Updates

Body Worn Video Camera: The pilot program has received positive feedback. The Sheriff’s Office is preparing submissions to extend legislation authorising BWVC past 30 November 2024.

Training and Development: Charlie class has commenced, with Alpha Class 2025 details to be announced soon.

WHS Update: The PSA is reviewing the recently received WHS Incident Summary.

Contractors and Weekend Bails Court: Discussions on contractor work and potential bail reforms are scheduled.

Christmas Closedown: Information on arrangements will be sent out in the coming weeks by the Sheriff’s Office once they are made available. Remember, alternate duties can be requested if you lack accrued leave.

JSB Uniform: Uniform committee participation requested for the Jury Services Branch corporate uniform roll-out.

Jury Tags: Followed up on the status of standardizing Jury Tags across the state. This is currently being reviewed.

Genysis: Requested more information including current training and further details on the rollout of this program.

Further items have been flagged for potential future discussion at the next JCC, however PSA Industrial Staff will be meeting with the Manager of Jury Services to further discuss some items such as,

• Higher Duties Allowance
• Personal Duress alarms,
• Emergency management plans.

If you wish to discuss any of these items further, please contact your PSA Industrial Staff

Ben James

Marko Petrovic