The Department of Primary Industries has just informed CPSU of a proposal to restructure DPI s workforce and facilities and 70 jobs will be lost across 10 important regional sites.

CPSU has also discovered that DPI has also informed the media and regional papers will carry the news from tomorrow.

Not surprisingly a media strategy is more important to DPI than securing the jobs of staff and the regional towns they support.

To read DPI's proposal, click here:

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/DPI-0508-IOC-reducedfunding-regionaljoblosses.pdf

This proposal affects a variety of projects and occupations including:

- Fisheries Management
- Private Forestry
- Sustainable Landscapes
- Agrifood Production Systems
- Environmental Health and Chemistry
- Libraries

And a number of facilities including:

- broad acre lands in Kyabram, Walpeup, Toolangi and Rutherglen are affected with a proposal to cease work at these venues
- the Werribee Piggery will be closed
- the science effort at Snobs Creek closed and relocated to Queenscliff.
- Relocation of research farm staff from Rainbow, Sea Lake, Charlton and Stawell.

Whilst the Department has given assurance that all staff will be supported through a redeployment process, given the Department s track record on redeployment CPSU has no confidence that adequate support and redeployment to valid jobs will occur giving the locations affected.

In affect 70 jobs will disappear from country Victoria as the Department's research arm slowly dislocates.

The timelines and opportunities for redeployment are specific to the projects/occupations affected.

The Department proposes that, for some affected staff, the redeployment process could start as early as the end of August.

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/DPI-0508-reducedfunding-presser-spin.pdf

The press, not surprisingly, received more info than CPSU.

Under our Victorian Public Service 2006 Agreement, members are entitled to consultation on workplace change.

Concerned members should contact CPSU's Industrial Organiser for Primary Industries, Yana Canteloupe, on 9639 1822 or ycanteloupe@dpi.vic.gov.au.

Please distribute this bulletin and ask your colleagues to join CPSU.

Our 7 day a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year industrial protection ensures you have the principal public sector organisation looking after your working rights, winning wage increases, protecting your conditions, and providing personal industrial assistance when you need it.


CPSU MEMBERSHIP IS PROTECTION FOR YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET.

YOUR JOB.

Speak to a colleague today about the benefits of CPSU membership and have them contribute to our successes rather than just enjoying the benefits.


TOGETHER WE DO BETTER!

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/Work-Can-Change-membership-flyer.pdf
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/memform.pdf


KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary

Tuesday, 5 August 2008