DISABILITY SERVICES STRIKE NOVEMBER 16-17

PSA delegates from DADHC yesterday voted to take Disability Services members on strike on November 16 & 17 because of the department’s broken promises and work overload.

DADHC is one of the NSW Government's largest departments with 440 group homes and respite centres, and six large residential centres, across the state.

The department has recently had a massive restructure and staff cuts. Promised resources have not been supplied. Positions are not being filled. And recently the situation has been exacerbated by roster changes.

Recently announced cuts will further reduce the number of experienced and long serving staff in group homes and respite services.

The department has broken agreements made with the PSA twelve months ago. It is not enforcing in the regions agreements on rosters and job mixes. And many managers are attempting to bully staff into working outside their role.

The PSA is demanding that the department adhere to and enforce agreements made with the PSA, that the botched restructure be reviewed, and that jobs in Community Support Teams and day programs be restored and filled to their pre-March levels.