DET/TAFE Bulletin, March 2005

TAFE, REGIONS AND STATE OFFICE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

The committee will focus the majority its energies on matters that have 'state-wide implications'. However, there remains scope within this forum for the discussion of issues concerning individual work sites.

Members are encouraged to contact their local delegate, or the Association directly, if they would like to have a matter dealt with by the committee.

DET inquiries - Anthony Wright on 9290 1555
TAFE inquiries - Irene McBeth on 9290 1555

GOVERNMENT DRAGGING ITS FEET ON TRANSFER OF TAFE EMPLOYEES TO PSEM

The Association has reiterated the view that the current arrangements, post restructure, have created unnecessary and unworkable inconsistencies between employees.

In our view the issue requires immediate resolution, and the relevant legislation must deliver an equitable result for all Departmental employees.

For its part the state government needs ensure that no one in the Department is short-changed by the drafting of shoddy leglisation.

DIGNITY AND RESPECT IN THE WORKPLACE CHARTER

In response to a number of studies which suggest that intimidation, humiliation, harrassment and other forms of anti-social behaviour are common to many workplaces, Unions NSW and the Association have drafted the Dignity and Respect Workplace Charter.

The Charter is designed to raise the profile of workplace behaviour, and enshrine dignity and respect as fundamental to the conduct of all relationships between individuals at work.

The Director General has indicated his intention to sign the Charter on behalf of the Department.

If you're interested in obtaining a copy of the Charter for your workplace, please contact the Association on 9290 1555.

PSA MEMBER'S SECURE 17% PAY RISE ACROSS PUBLIC SERVICE

The deal of 4% per year for four years (cumulative to 17%) includes a back-dated component of 4% to 1 July 2004.

Also included in the package is the introduction of one week's paid parental leave, a significant increase in paid maternity leave (up from 9 to 14 weeks at full pay), access to pro-rata extended leave after seven years of service, and a number of other improvements.

"This is an example of the power of collective bargaining," said PSA General Secretary John Cahill, "the Association has again forced an agreement that provides significant improvements in pay and conditions, while containing no trade-offs."

"As always, it's the financial contribution of union members - the costs associated with employing staff and paying for lawyers - as well as their passion and commitment on the ground, that makes these things possible. Undoubtedly there is strength in our union and a real material value in our solidarity".

For information on how to join the Association contact:
DET inquiries - Anthony Wright on 9290 1555
TAFE inquiries - Irene McBeth on 9290 1555

REVIEW OF JOB EVALUATION METHODOLOGY FOR DET AND TAFE

The current situation, whereby DET and TAFE use different methodologies increases the likelyhood of inconsistency and inequity between employees of the two organisations.

The Association has requested a progress report be provided to the next TRSOCC, and have urged the Department to act quickly and rationally to overcome any untenable disparities.

NO CONSULTATION - 'UGLY AND POTENTIALLY HARMFUL' MOBILE PHONE EQUIPMENT SET FOR HISTORIC BRIDGE ST OFFICES

The plan, hatched months ago by the Department of Commerce and Telstra, was arrived at with minimal reference to other affected parties.

One PSA member remarked that 'the first we heard about this was late last year when notices were placed next to the lifts informing us of the impending installation. At the time management seemd to know as little as us.

Despite the fact that there are staff working up there, that, depending on who you believe, the science is far from certain on the question of long term exposure - the deal with Commerce and Telstra appeared to be done. Where was the consultation?

Honestly, I think the antenae are ugly and potentially harmful. We have a beautiful old government building here, what are they thinking?'

The PSA has written to the Department seeking clarification of its role in this process and is investigating possible dispute proceedings before the Industrial Commission.

PARRAMATTA 'SEA' SET TO CLOSE

Despite having placed School Area Education Office operations on the agenda of the last three consultative committee meetings the Department failed to mention the fate set to befall Parramatta (one wonders whether the geniuses in the upper echelons are communicating with one and other).

Should full and proper consultation not be forth coming, the Association will seek the assistance of the IRC with this matter.

NEW ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF TAFE

The Association was successful in forcing the Institute to offer a VR to a "displaced" member who was refused three months LWOP which would have enabled her to accept a temporary position with her local council. Due to the Institute Management's attitude our member felt she had no option but to resign so that she could accept the temporary offer.

The Association took the view that the Institute had positively discriminated against our member and we could lodge a "Constructive Dismissal" claim through the NSW Industrial Commission.

IT DIDN'T TAKE BRIDGE STREET VERY LONG TO DIRECT THE NEI TO OFFER HER A VR.

The member is happy with this outcome.

WESTERN SYDNEY INSTITUTE

The Association is currently assisting members across all TAFE Institutes with various matters.

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