News Flash

Public Service Association (PSA) Councillor Peter Reilly and PSA Industrial Officer Jean-Guy Townsend attended the Land Services Group (LSG) Consultative Committee on 11 November 2009.

This committee provides PSA members with an excellent opportunity to have their work related questions and concerns raised, as well as allowing management to provide an update of LSG wide activities and engage members in consultation on a variety of issues.

Worksite Representative meetings, held the week prior to each Consultative Meeting, enable membership issues to be raised and their subsequent action determined.

Worksite Representatives reported that an increase in inappropriate behaviour including bullying, swearing and unprofessional conduct was an issue affecting members throughout LSG. Members also raised their dis-satisfaction with short term contracts. These issues are examples of common issues many members face on a day to day basis. Without the support of their union, workers often "put up with" significant issues in the workplace.

Inappropriate Behaviour in the Workplace

The PSA reported to the Committee, that complaints to the PSA of alleged inappropriate behaviour was becoming common and asked the A/Executive Director to raise this at the Senior Management Group meeting to ensure that members are not subjected to inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. The PSA has also contacted local management to resolve this issue.

Short Term Contracts:

During recent visits to Land Services Group, members reported that they are facing an uncertain future due to being offered short term contracts. In some cases, the contracts were for a period of two(2) weeks. The PSA met with the Land Services Group Manager to discuss this issue. Management expect that once the fall out from TVSPs and the finalising of the restructure in Division is complete, members will be in a better position to gain long term employment. Management has also extended contracts to ensure that service delivery will continue. The PSA will continue to negotiate with management to ensure that members are kept up to date. The PSA will always fight to protect jobs in the Public Sector but only members will receive an individual service and support from their fellow PSA work colleagues.

This matter was raised at the Consultative Committee. Management agreed to consult further on this issue.

23 November 2009