Department of the Premier and Cabinet (DPC) employees were recently advised of options that the Senior Executive Group proposed to achieve required reductions of FTE's (full time equivalents).

The Chief Executive DPC also wrote to the PSA advising of these proposals which are required to reduce FTE's by 64 in 2009-10. PSA has advised the Chief Executive of some concerns.

The Enterprise Agreement under Occupational Health Safely and Welfare states “In establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, an agency will not require an employee to have an unreasonable work load in the ordinary discharge of the employees duties”.

Employees in DPC are dedicated and professional and for their own welfare and to maintain a healthy Work-Life Balance there should be no expectation that they work extra hours to replace the activities of these 64 reduced FTE's.

PSA disagrees with limiting Leave Without Pay to 6 months. This would be counter productive to stated objectives as well as not supporting the Cabinet endorsed recommendation of the 2004 OCPE Report to encourage movement of employees both within and outside of government.

PSA has also suggested that longer temporary conversions to part time employment should be considered e.g. until children commence school. Then entitled to revert to full time.

The PSA will meet with the Chief Executive to discuss these and other concerns. Members can contact Senior Industrial Officer Ian Peak with any other concerns they wished raised.

It is important for each Worksite to have a spokes person. Worksite Representatives nominations for the next 2 year term to March 2011 are being sought. Nomination forms can be downloaded here.

Enterprise Bargaining for pay increases and conditions to replace the 2006 Enterprise Agreement occur this year. The best outcomes will will be achieved by Worksite Representatives being a conduit for members' suggestions and members actively campaigning for improved wages and conditions.

For any enquiries contact PSA Senior Industrial Officer Ian D Peak on 8205 3294 or email: ian@cpsu.asn.au