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Undervalued, Understaffed, Underpaid: Clarification regarding current work bans

  21 August 2024

It’s been nearly seven weeks since we first took industrial action, and the momentum continues to build. Following the success of last week’s state-wide action, it’s crucial that every member remains committed in following the actions which you have decided to undertake together.

At this critical stage of our campaign, it’s important to stress that only ɫ������members are protected under your award. This ensures there is no victimisation of members before, during, or after industrial action.

With a range of motions passed over recent weeks, please review the information below to ensure all approved actions are being carried out effectively. Staying united and consistent in our efforts is essential to sending a clear, unwavering message to the Government.

Current Motions and Work Bans

State-wide Motions

MOTION 1:         The members of the Sheriff’s Office Vocational Branch Advisory Group (SOVBAG), Metro and Greater Metro regions fully support the resolution passed by the Executive Committee on Wednesday 26 June 2024.

The “Uplift” process undertaken so far has dragged on for far too long and is unacceptable.

We demand that the Government engage with our union representatives and provide a long-awaited offer. Further, we demand that the Sheriff’s Office furnish a copy of the business case.

We support any and all action from members across the state, and encourage our colleagues in the sub-branches to meet, consider, and implement any actions that they deem fit.

MOTION 2:         Effective immediately – take the following action(s) which will not cease until our demands are met, and reserve the right to meet, consider and implement further actions at a future date if necessary.

1. Display association notices around screening points and counters.
2. Chalking of fixed perimeter equipment (Perspex) Screens and Departmental vehicles.

Note – Contact your local delegate or ɫ������representative for advice on obtaining the correct chalking equipment to avoid damage and ensure the messaging is approved by the PSA.

3. Decline to issue any new Certificates of Authority to security contractors.
4. Conduct security screening only at permanent perimeter screening points.

Note – If there is a credible security threat, or if members have any concerns about their safety or the safety of others, you should exercise your discretion and powers to conduct whatever search is necessary.

5. Decline to work –
   1. At any location without 2 Sheriff’s Officers present and at any location.
   2. More than 7 hours, unless directed to perform overtime.

Note – This ban does not apply to members who are employed under the Sheriff’s Operations Centre Shift Work Agreement 2018.

1. At any location which requires overnight accommodation to be arranged.
2. At any location which requires excess travel on weekends.
3. At any location outside of their region.
4. Any field enforcement duties including carrying out evictions, serving documents and enforcing writs for the levy of property.

Local Motions

The following additional work bans only apply to members within those respective regions.

1. Metropolitan and Greater Metropolitan
   1. Decline to work at any location with a permanent scanning point where there are less than 3 Sheriff’s Officers present.
2. Illawarra/South
   1. For members based at Wollongong Hub only: Decline to work at any location other than Wollongong, Port Kembla, Albion Park, or Kiama Courthouses.

• West/Southwest Region
  1. Members are to decline to work at other Hubs within their region.

1. Hunter/North Motions
   1. Members are to decline to work at other Hubs within their region.

All members are to continue with the above actions unless otherwise directed by the PSA.

If you have any questions, please contact your local delegate or ɫ������Industrial Staff for further guidance.

Thank you for your continued efforts, assistance and support over the course of this campaign.