News Flash

MINUTES OF CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS

The Public Service Association (PSA) wrote to Safework SA (SWSA)1 April 2010, requesting that minutes be provided to committee members prior to the consultative meeting, allowing members time to read minutes in preparation for the next meeting. This did not occur. Following a reminder minutes were emailed to members late Friday evening prior to the Monday morning meeting, which resulted in minutes being neither read nor confirmed. Management have assured us that members will receive all future minutes well before the due date of the meeting.

AGENDA ITEMS

The PSA had emailed agenda items to SWSA. Some items were not placed on the agenda. PSA is writing to SWSA to question the reason.

IR OPS GROUP

PSA questioned why another group had formed outside of the OPS IR Group. The official forum for consultation and outstanding issues is the the Consultative Committee (minutes available re issues discussed.) The IR OPS Group was formed as a sub committee allowing all staff to raise issues with the appropriate representatives on that committee. (minutes available re issues discussed).

Management are now addressing issues from another group, which has been referred to as staff meetings. (no minutes are available re issues discussed.) These issues should have been raised with the IR OPS Group and minutes available for all to peruse. This leaves the Consultative Committee members unaware of issues that management may be addressing. PSA requested clarification.

SECURITY FOR DANGEROUS SUBTANCES – RELOCATION TO NEW BUILDING

PSA raised the issue of security for dangerous substances in relation to open work space. A member had provided many examples as to why security and a secure workplace was required. PSA requested that the member attend the next relocation committee to address these issues. The request was denied by management as nominations were requested from staff at the commencement of the relocation committee and Management stated that the only way now is to go through the director. PSA will pursue issue further if required.

IR/OHS ASO4/ASO5 POSITIONS

PSA committee members challenged the PIDS for these positions. Members are of the opinion that the PIDS are not correct and do not reflect the whole job. Throughout Safework SA PIDS are either IR or OHS, there has never been agreement for a position to undertake both and certainly conflicts with the 'Transition Document'. Committee members consider the position should be an ASO6. There has been no consultation in relation to these combined positions.

HEICs INFORMATION OFFICERS

PSA requested that HEICs information officers be paid higher duties as an ASO4 whilst delivering TEVS. Management noted but no comment. Will raise again.

WORKLOAD ISSUES

IR TEAM – INCREASE OF THREE FTE's

Management informed PSA that there were an additional 3 FTE's joining the IR team to address workloads. No names were mentioned as staff had not at this stage received letters informing them of their new position and they may elect to utilise the grievance process. 2 FTE's would be working with the team and 1 FTE worth of work would be removed from the team .

'Tool Box Meetings' continue to be held weekly. PI will continue to meet with team monthly.

Technical Notes Group are preparing guidelines.

TRANSITION BETWEEN DISCIPLINES – DISCUSSION PAPER

PSA received correspondence dated 20 May 2010, received 21 May 2010 from the department referring to the PSA response 14 December 2009 to the document 'Transition Between Disciplines'.

The letter states that a copy has been provided to all staff at SafeWork SA for comment. Can be discussed at members' meeting Monday 7 June 2010.

COMPLAINT HANDLING POLICY

PSA received correspondence dated 27 May 2010, received 31 May 2010 from the department referring to the PSA feedback 14 December 2009 to the 'Complaint Handling Policy'. The letter advised that the draft document will be circulated to all staff, with a list of the changes that will be outlined, with a view to seeking further comment and input. After the document is finalised all staff will undertake mandatory training. Can be discussed at members' meeting Monday 7 June 2010.

8 June 2010