DADHC STRIKE CALLED OFF

Following urgent meetings between DADHC and the PSA regarding the proposed corporate and regional restructure, the PSA have received a formal response signed off by the Acting Director General that reflects a significant change of direction and improvement to recent restructure proposals.

The following has been accepted by the DADHC Disability Services Departmental Committee on the 2nd October 2003.

The Department will establish 120 permanent network manager positions (instead of their proposal of 100 permanent and 20 temporary positions) and expedite regional consultations on the network configurations within these overall parameters. If it is identified that further Network Manager positions are required, we will continue our position to make them permanent.

All staff currently paid at Residential Support Worker 3 (RSW3) rate and all substantive House Managers not appointed to network Manager positions and who wish to be redeployed as RSWs will be appointed to substantive RSW3 positions.

The Department guarantees a minimum of 400 RSW3 positions state wide.

Guidelines to determine numbers of Level 3 positions in each unit and in each network, and how the risk assessment tool is applied to both situations, will be developed by a work group consisting of DADHC and PSA reps, using the risk assessment tool and identified issues not captured by the risk assessment process. The PSA will seek to combine the components of the previous Level 3 criteria with the risk assessment tool.

The Department gives an undertaking that RSW3's will continue to work as shift workers as per award. Rosters are to be equitable and based on client need

Level 3 staff will be invited to submit an EOI for their locational preference as a basis for distribution to the available positions. It's not on merit selection but on matching staff skills and client needs, as well as taking into consideration staff preferences for redeployment for all RSW 3 positions (including preferences for locations outside of the region) to be considered initially within each network, then on a sub-regional basis and then within the region. Redeployment to be based on the principle of minimum disruption. The PSA will be involved at all stages of placement of Level 3s and including any appeals process.

The agreed Client Risk Assessment tool will be used within networks to identify and allocate additional shifts for Level 3's on a priority needs basis, including supporting clients with complex needs and mentoring and coaching staff. RSW's will not be rostered as casual relief, though may be requested to respond to crisis situations in the usual manner.

The RSW 3's in the Network "pool" will use one of the Group homes in the networks as their usual place of work- this will most likely be the unit in which they generally work the majority of their shifts.

RSW3' in the Network "pool' will work on a planned roster basis with their roster being allocated at least one month in advance subject to the capacity to respond to an emergency or changing level of risk.

When a Level 3 is required to work at other units within the Network it negate the original need for the Level 3 to be rostered on, therefore a Level 2 will act up in the Level 3 position with higher duties remuneration. Where a Level 2 acts up in a Level 3 position for more than a calendar month the officer should possess the necessary Level 3 competencies.

The appropriate arrangements in relation to the use of Level 3 staff within a Network will be subject to consultation at the Regional JCC. Any matter which is unable to be resolved at the JCC will be referred to the state JCC

The resolution of the Departmental Committee is as follows:

"That the Departmental Committee accept the proposals contained in Department's letter of 1st October 2003 as the basis for ongoing consultation on the corporate and regional restructure. In view of this the Departmental Committee further resolves to withdraw the proposed industrial action and strike on 14th October 2003.

In the event that at any stage it appears the Department does not honour its undertaking contained in the letter arising from consultation with the union, the Departmental Committee authorises the Executive Committee to implement industrial action as it feels necessary".

These gains represent a huge win by the PSA and it's members, who had the commitment to stand firm against recent inadequate proposals put forward by the Department. Let's learn from this, and unite on issues that arise in the future.

NOTE:
Two of out delegates from DADHC, Tony Hay and Shane Elliott, are currently on secondment to the PSA. They will remain here for another week and are happy to answer members questions. They can be contacted through 9220 0968 or 0419 400 194. They will spend the next week visiting workplaces to brief members and discuss issues and future progress.