TEACHERS FEDERATION INDUSTRIAL ACTION OVER TAFE ENROLMENTS NEXT WEEK

His Hon. Justice Boland of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission today directed the PSA and its members to comply with and implement the alternative enrolment procedures designed by DET.

DET have been directed to ensure administrative staff understand the alternative procedures, to provide adequate resources and to guarantee all PSA members against any loss or delay arising from such procedures.

The PSA has been in the Industrial Commission after the Department ran a dispute against the PSA over the Teachers Federation's Industrial Action. The Teachers Federation has directed its members not to sign TAFE enrolment forms. The PSA indicated to his Honour during these procedures that we were not taking industrial action and the dispute should be against the Federation. His Honour called the Federation to join the dispute.

The PSA consistently made it clear that its members were not taking action against the fees. However as a union we would not undertake alternative action that broke another union's industrial action.

MEETING WITH MINISTER

During the subsequent conference with the Minister (yesterday) the PSA also raised the concern that we had heard that the state contract for static guards had been terminated.

During this conference the Minister indicated the government could not change its position on the new fees. The government believed all students turning up on enrolment day would be aware of the new fee and either already prepared to pay it, ready to apply for an exemption or to follow the procedure to pay half fees on enrolment day.

The Minister then addressed our other concerns and gave assurances that for 2004 static guards would be provided and the Department was ordered to consult with the PSA on appropriate coverage. These discussions are occurring.

The Minister also made it clear that appropriate extra resources would be provided to ensure our members had a safe working environment and that any new enrolments procedures do not create overwork. However the Minister was clear that he expected an alternative enrolment procedure to be followed to ensure the smooth enrolment of students.

JUSTICE BOLAND'S DIRECTIONS

He directed the Department to make it clear to students that fees may be paid in two instalments and that students may be exempted from payment and he directed the Department to take all practical steps to advertise this through posters and handouts.

He further directed the alternative enrolment procedures designed for PSA members to implement should be followed and he directed the DET to provide "necessary resources on enrolment day" and he noted the guarantee of additional security resources.

His Honour said, "I do not consider the alternative procedure involves members of the PSA doing the work of members of the Federation".

PSA POSITION

Authorised by Joe Pithers, Acting General Secretary.