The Public Service Association(PSA) is consulting with the Land Services Group management over many issues and this brief is a summary of these matters. Feedback from members is essential to ensure the concerns of members can be addressed, please provide any comments to your Worksite Representative or Industrial Officer.

• SICK LEAVE Q & A

Through the LSG Consultative Meeting, it was asked, "when can I be required to provide a Medical Certificate for my absence from work?". In a nut shell, for absences three(3) days and less, a certificate is not required. Management can only request a Medical Certificate for absences three days or less, if previously it has been necessary to counsel an employee regarding an absenteeism issue which has resulted in a formal process with the member in question. Only after these processes have been undertaken can management then inform an employee that they must provide a Medical Certificate for absences less than three days. This advice is in accordance with the Public Sector Management Regulations 1995, Section 22, Schedule 2, clause 6. Should members believe they have been given an unreasonable request please contact your Worksite Representative or Industrial Officer.

• LAND TITLES SA

  The implementation of new Teams in Division is, by all accounts, moving ahead well. Team Three, which will deal with the more complex plans, is the last of these teams to be established. Worksite Representatives raised some issues with management and subsequent to that a meeting was held with the A/Registrar General to discuss solutions. It was identified that the majority of issues related to poor communication. Commitment was given by management to resolve this. However, management reiterated that should members have any concerns, ideas or issues to please raise them.

• STATE VALUATION OFFICE CONFERENCE

  The PSA was invited to attend the State Valuation Office Conference's dinner in October. This was an excellent opportunity to meet many members from around the state and for your Industrial Officer to become a face to members rather than just a voice on the end of the phone. In time for Christmas, each regional office will shortly receive a PSA care package. The package will have PSA membership applications, posters, pens, lanyards and other assorted goodies.
  

• STATE VALUATION OFFICE WORKLOADS

  Worksite Representatives received reports that unreasonable workloads were impacting on members. This was, in part, due to the high number of "Objections" that have been raised this year by land owners. Members had reported that due to the competing needs of commencing General Valuations and completing this year's Objections, members were struggling to keep up. PSA Worksite Representative Jenny Kviesitis and a PSA Industrial Officer met with the Senior Management Team to raise a number of issues and provide examples of unreasonable workloads. Many members have reported that they are not having a full half an hour lunch break and are eating lunch on the run. This is unacceptable. Members MUST have one half hour break no later than five hours after commencing work. Managers must support workers to ensure that their workloads are at a reasonable level. Management indicated that overtime can be approved should a worker request it, to assist maintaining a reasonable work load. Management gave a commitment to support members through this difficult time. Should members have any workload issues, please raise them with your Team Leader. Should members receive an unsatisfactory response please contact your Worksite Representatives or Industrial Officer.

• A Moment in Time.....

  The PSA has a long and proud history in the Land Services Group. A great display of solidarity and Union action occurred during the 1998 Enterprise Bargaining period. PSA members were involved in protracted and difficult negotiations. This resulted in members participating in rolling stoppages, work to rule and overtime bans. Subsequent to members taking part in Industrial Action, a part time, ASO1, member was unlawfully stood down. Needless to say, the PSA called a stop work meeting to get the member reinstated. At the meeting, members spontaneously decided to march on Parliament House and take up residence in the gallery. Suffice to say, after this demonstration of PSA strength, our ASO1 member was reinstated and a much improved offer from the Department was tabled and accepted by members. With the next round of Enterprise Bargaining just around the corner, it will serve members well to remember the strength they share when they stick to together.
  

Any questions, please contact PSA Industrial Officer Jean-Guy Townsend please call 8205 3233 or email jgt@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING TOGETHER TO WIN TOGETHER!

10 December 2008