Realigning No 8 - Another Restructure

The merry go round continues just in case you haven't had enough restructuring for one lifetime, DSE management have advised the union of their intention to "Realign Nicholson Street" which maybe means the building is being swung around to face Victoria Parade in time for Summer!

"In summary, it is proposed that:

- A new Forests and Parks Division will be created to bring together broad acre public land policy and parks governance to create a cohesive approach to forests and parks policy.

- The Organisational Risk Division will be refined to provide a clear focus on managing elements of the high risk to DSE s business and reputation by bringing together: risk management; OH&S; purchasing and contracts (APU); ministerial and records services; and IT operations;

- A new Organisational Improvement Division (OID) will be created to continue the focus on organisational improvement in our people, systems and processes. OID will bring together the functions of human resource management, organisational development, learning and development and business improvement.

- The print and advertising functions will move from Information & Business Technology Branch to Communications Branch to strengthen the capacity of the Communications Branch and bring like functions together.

- The Spatial Information Infrastructure (SII) Branch will move from Information & Business Technology Branch to Deputy Secretary (Kevin Love) to enhance strategic leadership and ensure the skills and expertise of SII is fully leveraged towards government priorities.

- The Strategy & Innovation Branch will report to the Deputy Secretary (David Papps) to firmly embed corporate strategy, business planning and a focus on innovation as critical enablers for DSE s success."

Click here to view DSEs full documentation;
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/DSE-0112-IOC-MelbourneRealigningAgain.pdf

Our Victorian Public Service Agreement, entitles the union, our members, and affected staff to provide meaningful input into any proposed restructure. As such, we are seeking feedback from our members on this issue, in order to develop a position to put to DSE management.

To pass on your feedback about the proposals, please contact CPSU Organiser Matthew Price at mprice@cpsuvic.org


** Fit for Fire **

The union has obtained a copy of a memo sent to managers at both DSE & Parks Vic, from Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller.

The memo creates the false impression that the so called "Fit for work Business Rule" became mandatory as at 8/12/2008.

This is particularly disappointing, given that CPSU has held a number of discussions with DSE about this, and had arrived at a very different understanding.

Under the existing agreement, fitness and medical testing are voluntary for VPS staff, with those who have done such testing entitled to a higher stand-by allowance.

It cannot be made compulsory as things stand, and DSE have an opportunity to raise this at the impending Agreement negotiations.

Our concern is not with the desire to improve OH&S standard in regards to fire, but that the attempt to make such
testing compulsory is not allowed under our existing industrial agreement.

At the recent discussions, DSE backed down, and agreed that it would not be compulsory this fire season, but that staff
who have participated would get rostering priority.

We advised that this is still in breach, and we are encouraging anyone who is discriminated against on these grounds to lodge a grievance.

CPSU hase requested that DSE issue a clarifying memo to managers and staff, and if this does not occur, we will be exploring our legal options.

If this issue affects you, please inform your manager that at this stage the testing is entirely voluntary, or contact the union for further advice.

Click here to view the DSE entitlement clause;
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/VPSA-2006-DSE-Appendix9.pdf

Stay tuned.

TOGETHER WE DO BETTER

KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary

Wednesday, 10 December 2008