You would likely have seen the PSA’s bulletins regarding the NSW Government’s announcement it was to offer all NSW Government employees a three per cent pay rise. This was to include legislated superannuation increases, meaning this offer is actually much closer to 2.5 per cent.
This announcement did not address the membership’s concerns for real wages to not go backwards, nor does it get rid of the wages cap. To add insult to injury a $3000 ‘thank you’ payment to health workers is being denied to our members. Apparently you do not deserve the same ‘thank you’ when you, and other É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers, have worked in critical roles during the pandemic. Frankly, it is a slap in the face to our membership.
As such, É«ÀÇÉçÇøCentral Council met again at 5:00pm on Monday, 6 June and directed members continue with the strike, or other form of industrial action that is being taken.
You can see the É«ÀÇÉçÇøbulletin’s HERE.
Am I on unauthorised leave if I take part in the strike?
Whilst DPE has not authorised the leave it is important to note your employer cannot take any disciplinary action or victimise you for taking industrial action as directed by your union. You are not striking in your own name, you are doing so at the direction of the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand in the PSA’s name. Any consequences for striking fall on the PSA, not on individuals who strike. You cannot be disciplined for taking industrial action in your union’s name.
If you are participating in the strike as directed by the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand there is no option to submit your absence in Equip under Industrial Action, the É«ÀÇÉçÇørecommends that instead you log your absence as Leave Without Pay, with the reason being Industrial Action.
Participating in the Strike
- On Wednesday 8 June, prior to when you would normally commence work advise your manager that you will in accordance with the É«ÀÇÉçÇødirection be participating in industrial action.
- In advising your manager you are participating in industrial action you can provide the manager with the PSA’s bulletin.
- Attend the relevant É«ÀÇÉçÇøaction in your area.
- On your return to work the next day you can put your leave in equip as LWOP, with the reason being Industrial Action.
I am not a member; can I take part in strike action?
As stated above, this action is for members to take part in at the direction of their union. If you are not a member you can still to be protected for your part in the action. We encourage all members to have discussions with their colleagues around taking part tomorrow. This day of action extends to all parts of our membership with public servants across the state joining the campaign tomorrow to fight for a fair wage rise.