The NSW Government has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government's Work Choices legislation which commenced operation on Monday 27 March 2006.

Unions NSW is coordinating mass meetings of union delegates, members and the public via a Sky Channel Broadcast on 30 November 2006 as part of its ongoing campaign of opposition to the Work Choices legislation. These meetings will be held at 194 locations throughout NSW, including two in the Sydney CBD, from 8.30am to approximately 10.30am.
 
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 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 there will be no ability to make up time later and salary should be deducted from the employee involved.

Any enquiries may be directed to your Employment Relations Adviser, Public Employment Office.

C Gellatly
Director-General