F3 Freeway & Pacific Hwy heavy vehicle road safety crisis

The PSA last met with RTA representatives on 25 May 2007 to consider a proposal for the future operation of the new F3 southbound checking station and ongoing working arrangements for the Central Coast field group.

The proposal is:

1. To increase Inspectors from 17 to 22 (1991 staff level was 23).

2. To implement a new roster to operate both Mt White stations and provide other field services for the Central Coast. This proposal will see the Carrington field group (Hunter) supplement the roster with 2 IVRS from that group placed on back up on a temporary basis until the RTA can ASSESS a permanent staffing need. (This proposal has OH&S implications and does not look at the probable Fatigue issues. No risk assessment has occurred.)

   Clearly the RTA should increase the permanent staffing to a minimum of 24 IVRs to make the roster work without the need for ongoing support from the Newcastle group. Whoever heard of a temporary (or Trial) arrangement ever finishing once implemented by the RTA.

3. Change of Headquarters - The RTA wants to permanently transfer the Central Coast field group HQ from West Gosford to F3 southbound station Mt White. That means 22 IVRS with 3 work stations, 1 toilet, and 1 shower. No training/meeting room or large meal area. No parking for private vehicles or grounded heavy vehicles.

4. A new Headquarters means an end to current travel arrangements and use of RTA vehicles to get to temporary work locations. That means a loss of between $7000-$10000 for IVRS. That will affect each officer's future super entitlements and introduce an increase (new) transport expense for officers.

   The PSA has expressed its opposition to this proposal face to face with local management on 2 May after the inspection. In writing on 8 May 2007, a further meeting 22 May and finally in writing again on 22 May. This last letter asked for an assurance that the proposal be put on hold and renegotiated to address each PSA concern.

In anticipation that the RTA will refuse to change its position, a teleconference of the PSA IVR's Advisory Group was held to consider the following recommendation.

That the PSA negotiate a change to the current RTA conditions of work proposal put forward by the RTA on 2 May for the Central Coast field group. This proposal shall consist of the following.

1. An increase in the number of IVRS in the Central Coast field group from 17 to a minimum of 24.
2. A safe and fair Work roster be negotiated.
3. Headquarters to remain at West Gosford.
4. 12 Mile Creek to be properly staffed with safe and fair rosters.
5. All work location amenities to be upgraded to a suitable standard and that they meet all OH&S and legislative requirements.
6. Current training needs assessed and subsequent training be provided.
7. That the operation of both field groups be reviewed in 6 months to consider if any additional staff or resources are required.

Further if the RTA refuses to agree to these terms of settlement by 31st May then the following work to rule will be implemented by PSA IVR members of the Central Coast and Carrington field groups.

That all PSA members will work to current roster patterns and work arrangements. No IVR will work from the new F3 southbound checking station and the northbound 12 mile facility, until this dispute is resolved as the current RTA proposal is unsafe and unfair.

This Industrial action (work to rule) will be implemented immediately following a meeting of members of both field groups.

That the PSA publicise this industrial dispute in the media.

Recommendation endorsed unanimously by IVR Advisory Group Delegates, 23rd May 2007.

Let's open the new F3 South Bound Checking Station and 12 mile creek facility with fair working conditions, rosters and properly staffed for the safety of RTA employees and the public.

For further information, please contact Brian Turner on 0418 423 965 or Greg Shaw on 0408 474 224.