TAFE in the 21st Century

Executive, 28 July 2008

Report adopted

This issue has been previously reported to the Executive. The PSA and the Department of Education and Training (DET) last met on 10 July 2008 regarding this matter. At this meeting the PSA tabled a process for the filling of positions created as a result of this restructure. The DET agreed with the union's claim to ensure that where the responsibilities and duties of positions have not changed or remain substantially the same the existing incumbents will continue to hold their position.

However the DET refused to agree with the union's claim that all new positions created will, in the first instance, be filled internally by eligible employees in a relevant functional/workplace unit. This claim was withdrawn by the PSA.

The DET also refused to commit to using an agreed job evaluation methodology, viz CED, for the evaluation of new positions. This remains a matter that may be disputed by the union.

The PSA is now finalising a response which will identify the main issues that are outstanding for members. This includes the inappropriate use of statements of duty instead of position descriptions, concerns about the use of an appropriate job evaluation methodology and the failure to supply adequate response to questions already raised. This response will go to the DET on 29 July 2008.