On the 5th March 2009, Public Service Association (PSA) Industrial Officer Jean-Guy Townsend and Member Representatives Sarika Young and Rachel Thomas met with Department for Families and Communities (DFC) officers to discuss on-going issues with the implementation of KRONOS.

Chief amongst members concerns was that two (2) RDO's would be docked every year. PSA has been assured that this is not the case. The DFC email sent to workers at Magill and Cavan Youth Training Centres was correct but used provocative language. The issue was clarified at the meeting. Upon seeing the evidence, the PSA was satisfied that members were not being disadvantaged.

Another major concern for members was the increase to workloads which were experienced with the introduction of the new system. DFC have provided additional training to the relevant workers. Transitional Accommodation(TA) and Community Residential Care(CRC) representatives indicated that there were initially some significant issues implementing KRONOS but they are being addressed. There remains some worksites where KRONOS is not operating effectively and the department will provide assistance to overcome this. Also, new coding was developed for CRC which has helped maintain a reasonable workload. This will be rolled out to TA.

Members expressed their concern at the action of the department in docking time when workers were late to start shifts. Members consider this is one way only, as when workers stay back to assist colleagues, they experience great difficulty in claiming this time. DFC stated that at the commencement of shift, 10 minute handover, workers are docked minute for minute but at the end of the shift there is slight leeway clocking out and workers are not docked anytime. For example, if a worker clocks out 2 minutes early.

PSA advises members to always clock in before commencing any duty. This will ensure that members do not perform any unpaid duties. DFC also made the statement that it believes some workers would clock out late but not perform any duties. It is equally important that members clock out once they have ceased performing duties. However, it is common for workers to offer assistance, if residents are not settled or when a critical incident is occurring at shift end, therefore it is essential that this is logged in the unit/house log book. This will give members the opportunity to use log books as evidence when claiming extra time.

PSA stated that this new system will erode much of the goodwill previously demonstrated by members. DFC stated that was unfortunate but the new system can not allow for that much

If you have any questions, please contact your Worksite Representative or PSA Industrial Officer Jean-Guy Townsend on 8205 3233 or email jgt@cpsu.asn.au.