On 7 April in the Industrial Relations Commission following two hours of extensive discussions, the PSA were successful in securing permanent ongoing employment for all Correctional Officers on school 152 and all Correctional Trainee Officers currently in the system, whom successfully complete their 12 month traineeship. This includes Trainee Officers on school 157 that are currently undertaking their 6 week training at the YLP school.

DCS have agreed to withdraw all term contracts that Officers from school 152 have been forced to sign and replace them with documentation that provides PERMANENT ONGOING EMPLOYMENT.

The PSA would not agree that future training schools should be given term contracts as a means of forcing staff to go to the new prison but have agreed to commence a genuine consultation process as the PSA had requested in a letter to the Chief Executive dated 25 March 2009.

The PSA were able to clearly demonstrate the deceitful manner in which DCS introduced the wording 'MAY BE' offered ongoing employment into their information packages and contracts to those commencing employment with DCS. The department considered that this gave them the right to offer term contracts. IT DID NOT SAY ‘on successful completion of your traineeship you will be offered a term contract.’

DCS would never have attracted so many new recruits had they been open, honest and clear about term contracts, as many would not have left permanent employment to take that risk. It is simply not good enough for DCS to say, ‘we really want you but you are on a contract to ensure that you go to the new prison.’ A contract is a contract and there is no right to ongoing employment. Shame on DCS, Officers have lacked trust in the past but that trust has now hit rock bottom!

It is very clear to the PSA that DCS consult with the PSA on issues that suits them. Officers in all institutions have in good faith entered into consultation and negotiation in relation to bedspace management providing in excess of 200 beds in the prison system to accommodate overcrowding. In relation to term contracts, no notification and no consultation!

Shame on the Department For Correctional Services!!

Please contact PSA Industrial Officer, Marg Jeffries should you have any questions or comments on 8205 3263 or email mj@cpsu.asn.au