The NSW Government has expressed strong opposition to Federal Government proposals to use its constitutional powers to substantially take over NSW's industrial relations responsibilities. The Federal Government has confirmed that it intends to introduce its workplace relations legislation into the Federal parliament by the end of October 2005.

The ACTU is coordinating mass meetings of union delegates, union members and the public on 15 November 2005 to brief workers on the Federal Government's workplace relations legislation. The meetings will be held at various Sky Channel outlets throughout the State from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.

Unions NSW is seeking cooperation in facilitating attendance at these meetings for staff not required to maintain front line services. Agencies should co-operate with relevant unions to facilitate the Unions NSW request whilst also ensuring that there is no disruption to service delivery to the public.

Staff should use their own time to attend the meeting and should only be granted an absence where there will be no disruption to the provision of services to the public. Options to facilitate the attendance of staff at the meeting include the use of flexible work arrangements, including by granting flex leave in advance and temporary variation to core time requirements and access to leave.

If an employee absents themselves from duty without proper approval, then there will be no ability to make up time later and salary should be deducted from the employee involved.

Any enquires may be directed to your Client Contact Officer, Employee Relations Division, Public Employment Office.

C Gellatly
Director-General

Issued : Employee Relations & Workforce Planning Services (Public Employment Office)
Contact: Simon Spence, Senior Industrial Officer
EMail: [email protected]
Telephone no: 9228 3612 Facsimile: 9228 4056
File no: PSM/05714 PT 3
Date: 
This circular is not superseded any other Memorandum/Circular.

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Superseded by C2006-19