Commissioned Officers Vocational Branch Industrial Bulletin

New Award for Kempsey, Dillwynia and Wellington

It is common knowledge now that the PSA has consented to an award to cover the 3 new correctional centres that is significantly different from existing arrangements within the Department.

This award was negotiated by the POVB but was effectively forced upon the PSA due to the threat to privatise the 3 new jails. The PSA Executive was only prepared to agree to the new award because the government was going to privatise the new jails. The PSA did not want to repeat the experience with Junee, where the PSA was cut out of covering workers at that correctional centre prior to it even opening.

Members should also note that COVB delegates played no role in negotiating the new award. It was negotiated by POVB delegates only.

It is important that members realise the limitations of the new award:

1. The new award will only apply to the 3 new jails. Management cannot automatically apply it to other jails in New South Wales.

2. The new award is locked in place for only 2 years. Prior to the end of the 2 years the PSA will start renegotiating the award with the Department.

3. IF THE DEPARTMENT WANTS TO CHANGE CONDITIONS IN ANY OTHER JAIL, INCLUDING NEW UNITS IN OTHER JAILS, THEY NEED TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE PSA-COVB.

PSA-COVB Industrial Officer to visit jails

PSA-COVB Industrial Officer Andrew Wilson has already visited Parklea, Long Bay, Lithgow, Oberon, Bathurst, Kirkconnell, Grafton, Glenn Innes, Tamworth and St Helliers Correctional Centres to inform COVB members about the new award and other related issues. Andrew will be visiting all other centres in the state in the near future.

'The Way Forward' - Staffing Levels and Operational Agreements

The PSA-COVB is aware that the Department is looking at changing staffing levels and operational procedures in every correctional centre in the state. This is the so called "Way Forward Initiative".

It is important that the COVB response to this is strong and coordinated. If there is any approach by management at your correctional centre to change the operational agreement, inform a member of the COVB executive as soon as possible.

Do be involved in any negotiations regarding the "Way Forward" unless you have spoken to your Industrial Officer or a member of the Executive. By keeping the Executive informed about what the Department wants to do at each jail, you will ensure that the COVB is able to deal with these issues on a state wide basis.

Changes to Conditions of Employment

There are three basic sources of your conditions of employment:- awards, legislation and the operational agreements. Any change to conditions of employment in your award must be negotiated with the PSA-COVB. The Department itself cannot change legislation, only Parliament can.

For OH&S reasons, the Department must also negotiate Operational Agreements with the PSA-COVB. All members should be aware that there are legal limitations in place that ensure that the Department cannot change your conditions of employment on a whim.

Future of the COVB

A group of Governors has approached the PSA seeking to break away from the COVB and form their own sub-branch within the PSA.

PSA representatives have met with representatives from this group and a meeting involving the current COVB executive and representatives of this group will be convened shortly. The PSA will be attempting to negotiate an outcome that is acceptable to both groups.

Ultimately the decision about representative structures within the PSA rests with the PSA Executive in accordance with the PSA's rules. Neither the Department nor individual members have the ability to dictate to the union how the PSA organises itself. There will be no change to the structure of representation for all PSA members in Corrective Services unless the PSA Executive decides to do so.

Raising Issues

If you have any issues or concerns please speak to the COVB representative in your workplace or speak to one of the COVB contacts listed below:-

Andrew Wilson, PSA-COVB Industrial Officer, Ph: 9220 0969, 0408 213 339
Patrick Armstrong,COVB Chairperson, Ph: 9368 2903
Rick Jones , COVB Secretary, Ph: 0417 252 168
Greg Delprado, COVB Vice-chairperson, Ph: 9289 2991
Kevin Baker, COVB Executive Member, Ph: 0419 617 552
Tim Bridge, COVB Executive Member, Ph: 9289 5600