DET – LONG TERM TEMPORARIES – SURVEY & UPDATE

Over the past few days the Association has been inundated with inquiries from Long Term Temporary Employees who are concerned that their employment will cease prior to the end of Phase 8.

It has been brought to our attention that some Long Term Temp's have been informally notified that their services with the Department will not be required after 30 June 2004. In effect, this would eliminate any opportunity of gaining ongoing employment with the Department.

The Department has clarified with the Association that the employment of Long Term Temporary staff can be extended by managers if funds exist within their budgets and workloads justify the short term extension. For instance, this could be made possible by temporarily transferring staff to existing vacant positions, or by management creating new positions within their Unit for a short period whilst recruitment action is underway.

The Association is aware that in many cases Long Term Temp's have been in employment with the Department for some considerable time. The inaction and refusal of some managers to assist loyal long-term staff in this matter is deplorable. We ask managers who are members of the Association to assist in making available continuing opportunities where they exist for all staff.

If you are a Long Term Temporary employee, we need to hear from you.

Please answer the following questions in an email to Adela Lyle, our DET organiser, at alyle@psa.asn.au :

1. How long have you been working for DET?

2. Name each position and the period of employment in each position.

3. Have you received informal notification of termination by your manager?

4. Have you received formal notification of termination by DET?

5. Is there ongoing work available in your area? If so, please describe it.

6. Are you aware of any agency staff in your area?

7. Is there anything else you believe may be relevant to your situation?

Please include your work telephone number.

Yours in Union,
Thane Pearce
Acting Industrial Officer
Public Service Association of NSW
ph: 9220 0929
m: 0408 223 276
tpearce@psa.asn.au
"Be Strong, be Union"