SHARED SERVICES UPDATE

PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon, President Lindsay Oxlad, Acting Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak, and Industrial Officer Josie Barbaro met with the Deputy Under Treasurer and Manager of Workforce Relations, Shared Services Reform Office, on Tuesday 6th November 2007. The following is a summary of issues discussed;

(a) REDEPLOYMENT

The PSA has been advised the Redeployment Provisions are being redrafted by Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC). The PSA has not had any detailed information on what the potential changes are, or what the process for consultation with the PSA will be.

The PSA stated it is unacceptable for members to be expected to make decisions about translating into Shared Services without being clear what their redeployment rights will be. There needs to be a commitment that redeployment entitlements will not be reduced. Given the transition is scheduled for February 2008, these details need to be discussed now.

A commitment was given to arrange a meeting with the PSA to discuss this further.

(b) PART TIME POSITIONS

It was made clear that all positions, including part time positions, would be translated into the new structure.

(c) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO PSA

The PSA has been given initial information regarding the planned transition timetable and the proposed transition groups, which outline initial FTEs in scope per agency. Regional worksites will be in the later groups to translate into Shared Services SA. These details are subject to confirmation as they have been provided to agencies for comment and will be provided to the PSA within the next two weeks.

(d) TRANSITION PRINCIPLES

The PSA was advised that in addition to the draft Human Resource Principles, two further documents are being drafted. One is to provide guidance and procedures for agencies to follow in determining how the agency should proceed in relation to how to deal with part time positions, and the transition of assets, resources, etc to Shared Services SA.

The second document will deal with principles to guide the process for the transition of staff in regional areas. The PSA has requested further information on these documents as soon they become available.

(e) STAFF COMMUNICATION

Protocols will be developed in relation to communication with employees after the identification of positions to be translated has occurred. This will need to be done in a fair, consistent and sensitive manner.

(f) HUMAN RESOURCE PRINCIPLES

The PSA is developing a response to the draft Human Resource Principles. The PSA will be working to ensure that all members are treated fairly and all relevant circumstances are taken into account when making decisions about the movement of staff.

(g) FURTHER QUESTIONS

The PSA will write to the Shared Services Reform Office with a list of questions on behalf of members that have not been answered.

A number of questions have been raised by staff directly at the agency briefings. It is important that members continue to discuss their concerns at these briefings.

Issues including salary sacrifice arrangements and additional costs incurred by employees as a result of transitioning will continue to be raised by the PSA.

(h) FUTURE MEETINGS

Regular meetings will be scheduled to continue discussions. Given there are still many unanswered questions, these will provide a forum for members to raise concerns.

The PSA will continue to consult with members and keep you informed of developments. Should you have any queries, please contact PSA Industrial Officer Josie Barbaro on jxb@cpsu.asn.au

PSA/CPSU WORKING FOR MEMBERS