The Public Service Association is organising a stop work meeting for 9 am Wednesday 27 June 2001 as part of the union movement's ongoing campaign in relation the proposed changes to the workers' compensation provisions and processes.

Clause 67 of the Crown Employees (Conditions of Employment) Award 1997 provides that the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 shall apply to the right of union members to take lawful industrial action and that there will be no victimisation of staff members prior to, during or after such industrial action. The decision to participate in the industrial action or a failure to report for work during such action rests with the individual staff member.

The following provisions will apply for the morning of 27 June 2001:

• work is to be made available to all staff;
• leave approved prior to COB Friday 22 June 2001, will continue to be granted subject to normal Departmental convenience;
• where staff engage in industrial action during core time, such absences are to be regarded as an unauthorised absence; and
• applications for sick leave and FACS leave for 27 June 2001, are not to be approved, except if the Department Head is satisfied that the absence is unrelated to the industrial action and supported by acceptable evidence such as a medical certificate.

Additional information concerning these provisions can be found in Section 6-21.7 of the Personnel Handbook.

Any inquiries concerning this matter should be directed to your Client Contact Officer in the Employee Relations Division of the Public Sector Management Office.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

Issued by: Public Sector Management Office
Contact: Cathryn Hellams
Telephone: (02) 9228 3531
Email: [email protected]
Date: 22 June 2001