DET/TAFE Bulletin – Current Issues

PHASE 8

Phase 8 is underway with over 800 positions made available to staff throughout the Department. Potentially displaced, displaced and excess staff have been applying for positions and are being given priority consideration using EOI, though many have taken advantage of applying for higher grades utilising the merit selection procedures in conjunction with permanent and long-term temporary staff not affected by the restructure.

APPEALS

The Appeals Panels are underway with the Associations involvement. To date there is approximately 25 appeals. The Association is monitoring the outcomes of the appeal process.

EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENTS --"HARD TO FILL POSITIONS"

Nine "hard to fill" vacancies have been released to external advertisements after consultation between DET Management and the Association. Any subsequent hard to fill positions will only be advertised as a result of further consultation with the Association.

STAFF MOBILITY

The Association has finally received a letter from the Department advising that they are proceeding with the agreement of the Minister and Parliamentary Council to draft a bill which will effect the transfer of employment of PSA covered classifications in TAFE by converting them as employees under the PSEMAct 2002.

The Department will consult with the Association when the draft bill is ready.

PERFORMING ARTS UNIT

The Association has continually been fighting for the rights of its members at the Performing Arts Unit, many of whom have been in their current role for over 9 years. The Association is awaiting a reply from the Minister for Education and Training regarding the situation within that unit.

WOLLONGONG STATE OFFICE

The Wollongong State Office members have felt the regional impact of the restructure and had a meeting with the State Minister for Illawarra, Mr David Campbell. The Association's regional organiser, Felix Bronneberg, attended the meeting with delegates and upon the Minister's request has written a letter addressing the concerns of our members.

JOB SHARE

Members who require part time arrangements at their workplace due to family reasons, are being managed case by case if they have not gained permanent employment during Phase 7 or Phase 8.

The Department did inform managers that they should be mindful of the government commitment to flexible working arrangements and that applicants who were interested in this type of arrangement should not be disadvantaged during the restructure.

If you are currently disadvantaged please contact your DET or TAFE Organiser.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

The Department has conducted risk assessments at two SEAS, all TAFE Curriculum Centres and TAFE Library Services. The Association is reviewing the outcomes.

The Association is concerned of the need for further risk assessments throughout the department and would like members to organise meetings with their DET or TAFE Organiser to address this and other issues as the functionality of DET/TAFE structures at the regional level still appear not to be finalised.

DELETED POSITIONS

The Association reminds members not to perform duties of a deleted position. Please contact your DET or TAFE Organiser if this is occurring in your unit.

WORKLOAD ISSUES

BULLYING & HARRASSMENT

A number of members have contacted the Association reporting the over zealous nature of some supervisors and managers who have used the restructure as a time to harass, intimidate and bully members. This type of behaviour is not acceptable and is often used in conjunction with workload issues and flexi-time arrangements.

The Association will continue to support members and workgroups in countering this negative and unprofessional behaviour.

Again please bring this to the attention of your DET or TAFE Organiser.

STATE COORDINATING TEAM

For any ongoing issues you can still contact the State Coordinating Team with your concerns on 1800 338 354 or email: statecoordinatingteam@det.nsw.edu.au

The Association consulted in the frequency of the Departments email broadcasts to staff. The Associations weekly meetings with DET Management and senior staff from the State Coordinating Team have been beneficial in the consultative process and resolution of members concerns. This meeting will continue on a monthly basis when it will be reviewed at the end of 2004 and/or at the request of either party.

RESTRUCTURE FUTURE

The Association in agreement with DET management will conduct a review of the restructure. We will advise members of the details around this further consultation closer to the date.

The Association has had initial discussions with DET management regarding their intention to establish Regional Service Level Agreements between DET and TAFE. The Association was advised that it was unlikely that these agreements would be in place prior to the end of 2004. The Association is interested in the detail. Further meetings will be held as the department develops their Service Level Agreement model.

CASE MANAGEMENT

The Association has asked for specific details of the case management processes to be implemented in DET/TAFE areas. The department is currently investigating.

ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

The restructure has, or is about to bring about, changes to all areas of DET/TAFE. Members will be affected by either flow-on impacts of the statewide restructure or TAFE Institute restructures and need to be diligent and united to defend your industrial rights as public servants.

The Association's Organisers, Adela Lyle - DET 9220 0929 and Troy Wright (TAFE) 9220 0930 welcome invitations to attend your units, departments, colleges or office block to discuss the ongoing issues affecting members.

The main concern is ongoing workload issues that will undermine the health and safety and possible future employment of our members.

To get up-to-date authorised information subscribe to the PSA's TAFE/DET MAILING LIST at lcarr@psa.asn.au

As a result of the recent NSW State mini-budget a significant amount of funding was lost from the Mature Workers Programme and Skilled Migrant Strategy operated by AMES/DET. This has resulted in four of our member's jobs being deleted and the officers declared displaced.

NSW Labor Council has endorsed all affiliates to participate in a demonstration at Parliament House.

The Association urges all members to participate in this important demonstration to win back jobs, win back funding for disadvantaged groups and to shake the foundations of Parliament House with our members united voice directed at the governments saying "stop the job cuts!"

We urge members not to sit on the sidelines; we have a chance to protest with a number of other community groups, unions and the general public. Be there in solidarity.