News Flash

Public Service Association(PSA) members met on 9 September 2009 to discuss a variety of issues affecting them. This meeting was well attended with some members attending whilst not rostered on shift or on Annual Leave.

Two unresolved issues caused members to impose Industrial Bans.

1. Not mixing Long and Short Term Residents for the purpose of schooling

Members first raised OHS&W concerns on 20 July 2009. Despite continued efforts and suggested compromises by Worksite Representatives to resolve this issue, it remains unresolved. To ensure residents and members safety the following resolution was unanimously passed;

"Members condemn the current mixing of Short Term and Long Term residents as unsafe.

The risk is foreseeable, preventable and contradicts current safe practice in the Centre.

Members will not facilitate the separation of residents into Long Term and Short Term groups for the purpose of schooling"

Members should contact their Worksite Representative or Industrial Officer immediately, if they receive directions contrary to these bans.

2. No loss of wages due to unjust decisions

Members condemn the Department's decision to cease remuneration to any member who is stood down from work, prior to all investigations being completed. Members feel very strongly that this decision is unfair and breaches natural justice.

Members emphatically and unanimously passed the following resolution;

"Members strongly condemn the Department's decision to cease one of our member's wages without first completing the investigation into the matter.

This is unfair and breaches natural justice.

Members demand that any member who is stood down from work will have their wages continued until all investigations are completed.

Members will not perform Over Time between Mondays and Fridays on the AM Shift(6:50am to 3pm), effective immediately until wages are reinstated and all lost income is back paid to any member currently stood down.

Should this not occur by COB 18th September 2009, members will escalate these bans."

A worker can not be forced to perform overtime shifts.

Members should contact their Worksite Representative or Industrial Office immediately, if they receive directions contrary to these bans.

10 September 2009