You would likely have seen the PSA’s bulletins regarding the NSW Government’s announcement it as were to offer all NSW Government employees a three per cent pay rise. This was to include legislated superannuation increases meaning it is closer to 2.5 per cent.
This announcement does not address the memberships concerns for real wages to not go backwards it does not 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 and kept the state moving.
As such, É«ÀÇÉçÇøCentral Council meeting that was held at 5:00pm on Monday, 6 June directs members continue with the strike, or other form of industrial action that is being taken.
You can see the É«ÀÇÉçÇøbulletin’s HERE.
What happens if I participate in the action?
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas become aware that Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has attempted intimidate its employees by informing them (a) that participation in the PSA’s directive to stop work on 8 June 2022 means you will be considered as on unauthorised leave and (b) if you do not follow a lawful directive you will be considered to be on unauthorised leave.
TfNSW cannot take any disciplinary action or victimise you for taking industrial action as directed by your union. You are not participating in your own name, you are doing so at the direction of the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand in the PSA’s name. Any consequences for this action fall on the PSA, not on individuals who participate. You cannot be disciplined for taking industrial action in your union’s name.
As you would have seen in É«ÀÇÉçÇødirection to the RTOC on June 3 (HERE) due to the safety critical functions performed in the RTOC, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøis directing members:
- Those rostered to essential safety critical work on console duties are to wear a campaign shirt or badge during all hours of Wednesday 8 June 2022.
- Those rostered to non-essential duties, including the training day, are directed to support the 24-hour stop work on Wednesday 8 June 2022.
Participating in the strike
If you are a member 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.
Award negotiations
We are also aware that TfNSW in communicating with its employees has attempted to distance this action from the Award negotiations. It has even stated that progress has been made on these discussions, including on how to improve our people’s experience at work. It is important to note that TfNSW has refused claims from the É«ÀÇÉçÇøand other unions on the basis it did not believe an Award clause was necessary, these include, but are not limited to claims such as:
- In recognition that unreasonably high workloads can have negative impact on employees where employees are consistently forfeiting hours the employer will proactively manage the hours of work being undertaken.
- A requirement to review the success of restructures.
- A specific clause that requires employees who are affected to be provided priority in recruitment which would mean they are not required to undergo a competitive recruitment process.
- Limitation on use of contractors and labour hire.
- Where an employee has not had access to professional development for a period of more than 18 months the employee can have this reviewed.
- Addressing the forfeiting of hours in the organisation.
For the majority of claims, TfNSW is wishing to address these outside of the Award negotiations.
If you want more information on Award negotiations, you can view the previous É«ÀÇÉçÇøbulletins on our website and further information will be sent out soon about our meeting this week.
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 join 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.