State Intelligence Review - FWA Dispute Lodged

CPSU has lodged a dispute with Fair Work Australia following the Departments decision to renege on its 2009-10 Review recommendations.
 

In December 2009, Crime theme desks were realigned from the Crime Department to the State Intelligence Department.

This gave rise to a review of State Intelligence which commenced in March 2010.

The aim of the review was to test the existing structures to ensure that they were both robust and sustainable.

It was then determined after input from all parties that there was to be some changes to VPS staffing profiles which would encourage and facilitate career development.

CPSU welcomed this initiative and it revived employees' hopes that their employer was genuinely interested in developing them professionally rather than going out each time to the market.

This initiative was also consistent with the Public Administration Act which states quite clearly that the CEO or Chief Commissioner in this case was obligated to develop a career Public Service for its staff.

Consultation was extensive and many forums were held to communicate the outcomes.

AC Pope is identified as a member of the Review team and was consulted on all aspects of the review.

As VPS3s, provided you met the following criteria , you were assured of a promotion to a higher classification.

• Completed a minimum of 12 mths in the position
• Completed a set criteria including the strategic Analysts Course
• Been assessed as competent by Charles Sturt University
• Met on balance the VPS4 descriptors

After hearing whispers that there was to be new review which suspended the current review process, CPSU wrote to AC Pope seeking further particulars.

Our letter was dated 15 November 2010.

After two meetings with Ms Bec Hodges (AC Pope s representative) CPSU was no clearer as to the rationale of the new proposed review and reasons for suspending the roll out of the 2010 process.

Four weeks after CPSU had sent our correspondence directly to AC Pope we received a response to our concerns but not before we had threatened to lodge with Fair Work Australia.

The letter was delivered late on 24th December 2010 , after the Union had closed for Xmas, advising that all review recommendation were suspended.

CPSU has now have been informally advised through minutes of a meeting held on 18th January that the VPS3/4 initiative has been completely scuttled by VicPol but there will be increased career opportunities for VPS staff.

CPSU has read the most recent review (received at 5.08pm by email on 27th January 2011) and cannot see where these opportunities are for existing staff.

CPSU members are not satisfied that the obligations contained in our Agreement about change consultation have been adequately followed.

Obviously our members are hugely disadvantaged.

A number of staff did not apply for promotions and or other positions on the basis that the VPS3 positions would be developed into VPS4s.

Further to this, CPSU believes that this complete disregard for current Police employees breaches the Public Administration Act 2004 in that it is neither fair nor equitable.

CPSU met with other senior staff to resolve the issues but without success.

The matter has now been lodged with Fair Work Australia for consideration and we are waiting on a hearing date and will advise members through CPSU delegates when it will be heard.

I urge all interested parties to attend the Fair Work Australia hearing on this betrayal.

If you seek more information contact your local delegates or speak to CPSU Organiser Emily Castle by e-mail or by calling CPSU on (03) 9639 1822.

Please distribute this bulletin and ask your colleagues to join CPSU to have their voice heard and their views represented.

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

Friday 28 January 2011