SAS Staff News - PSA declares war

The Department of Education and Training yesterday advised the PSA that they will not fund salary increases for School Assistants and Senior School Assistants.

In 2000 DET requested the Association's involvement in a review of the work of School Assistants and Senior School Assistants. The review was to address work overload and also evaluate the jobs performed by these classifications. The outcome of the evaluation process recommended significant salary increases to School Assistants and Senior School Assistants.

Four years later, the DET is refusing to recognise the work performed by support staff in schools.

Minister Refshauge drones on about the wonderful education system in New South Wales, yet fails to recognise your contribution to that system. Clearly without your hard work and dedication, the system wouldn't be one that the Minister can gloat about.

The PSA is furious at the Department's lame excuse for not paying the increase. They say they are having problems getting the money from Treasury. We say try harder.

Schools delegates met last night and unanimously endorsed the following recommendation:

"That the PSA begin a major campaign for members in support of implementation of the outcomes of the review of the work of School Assistants and Senior School Assistants. PSA members should give a clear message to the Department of their anger at the Department's refusal to recognise the value of the work performed by SAS staff.

Members should withdraw all co-operation and goodwill until the PSA's proposals on increased salaries and staffing levels are implemented.

This campaign should include work to rule and escalate to protracted industrial action including mass rallies and strike action."

This morning Sue Walsh and Steve Turner had discussions with the Association's lawyers who will immediately lodge a dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission against the Department.

PSA DIRECTION

School Assistants and Senior School Assistants are directed to immediately:

• Work to Rule, i.e 31 ¼ hours per week only, and work within your statement of duties - no more goodwill.
• Not do any "on-line" reporting of breaches of security, workplace injuries and Board of Studies data.
• Not set upTeacher Professional Learning requirements.
• Not participate in any trials or pilots of new products.

The Schools Steering Committee delegates will meet on 18 March to identify further activities in line with the DC recommendation to escalate the industrial action.

Members should continue with the PSA's direction until further communication from the PSA.

Sue Walsh, President
Steve Turner, Assistant General Secretary

Authorised by John Cahill, General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW

Media release:- It's war over school staff pay