News Flash

The Public Service Association (PSA) held a meeting with members from the Department for Water on 7th September 2011 to discuss key issues regarding the new review and restructure.

PSA Industrial Officers John Callaghan and Mariya Shmandiy reported on the proposed departmental changes and dealt with questions and issues which were raised.

Key issues for discussion included:
1.lack of job security
2.uncertainty surrounding redundancy and redeployment
3.unknown opportunities for internal transfer
4.the redesign of current positions and the future of existing programs. 

Suggestions were raised as to how the restructure issues could be addressed with management in a transparent and orderly manner, with the aim of achieving positive outcomes for members and the Department. 

The establishment of a set of Human Resource (HR) Principles, based on the guiding principles of communication, consultation and fair and equitable treatment of employees, was discussed and is seen as vital to the management of change within the department.

Discussion occurred about the formation of a Consultative Committee, consisting of management, employee and PSA representation.  The charter of such a committee would be to meet on a regular basis, address contemporary issues and areas of concern and provide project updates in an environment of transparency for stakeholders.  Members expressed their interest in the formation and operation of such a committee and agreed that a letter be written and sent to the Chief Executive calling for the committee's establishment.

The PSA will continue to work with members, provide information and advice and when required, provide representation to resolve industrial matters.

The PSA stressed the importance of identifying members who would be willing to represent members on the consultative committee.  The PSA believes members must be treated fairly throughout this restructuring process and that unreasonable workloads must not emanate from the planned job cuts.

9 September 2011