TAFE: Library Position Descriptions
19 August 2021
The CPSU NSW and its Delegates are concerned about the diverse nature and inconsistent use of Library Position Descriptions (PDs). Outdated PDs made the restructure for Tranche 1 classifications much more difficult for all.
Recently, TAFE agreed to discuss the library PDs at an Interest Based Consultation Committee meeting. Library Delegates and É«ÀÇÉçÇømembers, with the support of union industrial staff, reviewed Library Assistant PDs through to Librarian Grade 4 PDs with the view to establishing a consistent PD for each library Grade.
The methodology used by the PSA/CPSU NSW Library PD Working Group was to compare existing PDs with the , as well as PDs between Grades, and to map them to the Capability Framework.
After drafting, the PDs were sent to TAFE Industrial Relations. TAFE has advised that the Library Strategy Group has now also reviewed them. The PDs now sit with the TAFE PD Design and Evaluation Team. Once the draft PDs are returned, the CPSU NSW will seek your feedback. At this point, the CPSU NSW is not aware of precisely what changes have been made to the original drafts and will endeavour to ensure that the final versions truly reflect library work.
We recommend members familiarise themselves with the classification descriptors in Section D of the Enterprise Agreement (Sections 2-4, which can be found at pages 117-121). These library classification descriptors in the Enterprise Agreement are the exact words used in the 2002 NSW Pay Equity Award judgement.
This historic legal case recognised the gendered dimensions of the library workforce, the true worth and value of our work, and the professional nature of library work. We ask members to be aware that any move to blur the distinction between library and clerical work, such as that which is occurring in some co-located hubs, de-professionalises library work and potentially undermines the gender equality-based principles of the Pay Equity case. With the Tranche 2 restructure looming, it is important that library staff work strictly to their PDs and get to know their award.
In the meantime, if you know of anybody who isn’t a union member but would like to join, they can join online . We are stronger as a collective, and acting in union is important to ensure the integrity of your working conditions and PD.