Dispute re RTA Human Resources Review Proposal

An update in relation to the issues currently in dispute between the RTA and the PSA concerning the review process for potentially displaced members and the ongoing matching and redeployment process for affected HR staff.

Following a compulsory conference on Monday in the NSW Industrial Commission the RTA has agreed to a further meeting on 31 August with the PSA to discuss the following issues:-

1. Review of positions - the PSA has asked for its members to have their circumstances reviewed where the current proposal intends to displace them, where that individual considers that the position is still the same with minor change and the grade has been increased by one grade, or remains the same grade, members can request a review.

   What the PSA seeks is the equal application of this approach to all staff.

   The RTA has advised it intends to conduct the review and consider all staff comments prior to a final determination being made.

   The PSA seeks clarification and negotiations in relation to the following:-

2. Trial placements being offered - how and when this will occur.

3. Availability of project officer positions for regional staff - Which positions will be offered. The RTA claims it only intended to make the positions in the training operations area available for Regional staff through redeployment.

4. Redeployment & recruitment phase - the PSA is adamant that external recruitment not occur until the redeployment of displaced staff has been exhausted.

   If the RTA can demonstrate that no suitable displaced officer can be redeployed to any new vacant position in the new structure then the PSA will not object to external recruitment in that case. Each request from the RTA for external recruitment will be considered on its merits by the PSA.

5. Permanent salary maintenance - the PSA seeks advice from displaced PSA members as to where and to whom this situation may apply due to the new HR structure proposal.

   Please note if a member has an individual matter that needs to be raised please contact Colin Filmer or myself.

   The parties are scheduled to report back to the Industrial commission on 10 September. The RTA has advised it will not be in a position to make a final determination until after the 10th.

For further information please contact Colin Filmer on 9290 1555.