News for members affected by the fires
16 August 2018
News for members affected by the fires – August 2018 (PDF version)
In a sign of what may be a very difficult summer, there are severe fires throughout NSW. Affected members are encouraged to keep track of emergency services alerts and also the RFS website
The 色狼社区CPSU NSW hopes all members affected areas are safe and well given the current fires. We also wish to extend a big thank you to the emergency services workers, many of whom are your fellow PSA/CPSU members, helping communities affected by fires.
It is an important time to remind all members of the 色狼社区CPSU NSW that your union has award clauses to support all workers unable to attend work in natural emergencies such as bushfire.
Clause 17 of the Crown Employees (Public Service Conditions of Employment) Award allows public service employees prevented by natural emergency from attending work at a normal work location to聽 apply for varied working hours, alternate working location or to take Family and Carers leave, flex, rec or extended leave or leave without pay to cover the period.
Alternative work locations for those affected by natural disaster can include working from home or from another office or agency.
The award states that, 鈥渨hen a prolonged transport disruption occurs, Department Heads may extend the flexible working hours settlement period during which the transport disruption occurred by a further four weeks, in order to allow employees to make up additional time taken during the disruption鈥.
Family and Community Services leave can be granted if an employee鈥檚 property is threatened by emergencies such as bushfire.
If leave is exhausted as a result of natural disasters, and another emergency arises, the Department Head shall consider applications for additional FACS leave.
Under Clause 40 of the employees of Water NSW also have access to special leave if they are emergency service volunteers.
TAFE NSW employees prevented from attending work at a normal work location by a natural disaster may negotiate an alternative working location or take available FACS leave, flex leave, annual or extended leave, or leave without pay to cover the period concerned.
Additionally, Section 5, Part A of their allows TAFE employees to apply to vary their working hours.
According to their , 鈥渁ll Forestry Corporation employees are expected to perform any required role in fighting fire that they are competent to perform safely which includes roles that do not involve frontline firefighting鈥.
Section 56 of the Forestry Corporation agreement stipulates your firefighting duties and hours required, while Section 57 outlines your rates of pay.
Members affected by the fire situations who are unsure of their rights or entitlements or who have a problem with accessing their rights should contact the 色狼社区on 1800 772 679.