LEARNING MANAGEMENT BUSINESS REFORM – NSW IRC UPDATE
24 December 2013
SAS Staff News
LMBR NSWIRC Update 23122013 (PDF)
Dear Members
As a result of the É«ÀÇÉçÇøimplementing work bans on the Learning Management Business Reform, the Department lodged an Industrial Dispute in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (NSWIRC). A compulsory conference was held on 20 December.
At the hearing, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøraised members concerns around lack of training and support, work overload, pressure to perform, time frames associated with the rollout, and Departmental communications.
The Commission was empathetic with the concerns of É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers and acknowledged that the matter must have deteriorated as the É«ÀÇÉçÇøis not known as a union who imposes work bans lightly or frivolously. However the Association was directed to lift these bans.
During the hearing, the Department announced it had released a plan which it believes will address the concerns raised. The Association was not consulted prior to the plans release.
The Department met with the É«ÀÇÉçÇøon 23 December to discuss the plan. Peter Johnson Executive Director People and Services, Mark Philip Director Industrial Relations and Michael McMahon General Manager Learning Management Business attended.
In relation to working over the school vacation, the Department has confirmed to the NSWIRC and the É«ÀÇÉçÇøthat:
- Working during your holiday is voluntary
- SAS Staff cannot be directed to work
- É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers who chose to volunteer will be paid at the appropriate rate
- Funding for working during this period will be provided by the Department and will not come out of school funds
- SAS Staff should not be on a school site alone
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas obtained assurances from the Department that there will be onsite support for the 229 focus schools during term 1, 2014.
The Schools Team will be available from Monday 6 January. Please don’t hesitate contacting us via email or phoning 9220 0900 if you have any questions or concerns.