Notice to CPSU NSW Members at University of Wollongong from Stewart Little, State Branch Secretary
The NTEU have decided to take industrial action on 23 October in the form of 24 hours stop work.
I have also been informed that the NTEU intend to have pickets on the entrances to the University.
As dedicated unionists, I know many of you are concerned about going to work when another union is taking industrial action on that site.
CPSU NSW has sought approval from the University for you to work from home, or take a flex day, annual leave or long service leave on 23 October.
Please speak to your supervisor or manager about working from home or taking a day’s leave on Tuesday 23 October. Your supervisor or manager can contact HR to confirm these arrangements.
Tuesday’s industrial action is binding on NTEU members only. All members of the CPSU NSW or any other union are not involved in this industrial action and it is not binding on other union members generally. While NTEU members may be protesting outside the University, there is no Union NSW endorsed picket line that binds all members of all unions.
Under the Fair Work Act, industrial action is only protected if you have a Protected Action Ballot Order approved. CPSU NSW members have decided not to do a PABO and not to take industrial action at this stage. This is due to Professional Staff bargaining progressing quite well with most serious matters now resolved.
For CPSU NSW members this means on Tuesday you are legally required to work on this day or be on an approved day’s leave. If you refuse to work, and are not on an approved day’s leave, it could be found that you have taken unprotected industrial action and you may be subject to penalties of over $10,000.
CPSU NSW members are directed to:
Members are also reminded that all staff engaged in industrial action must act in a peaceful and orderly manner and should not seek to threaten, intimidate or physically prevent individuals from going to work.
Regardless of whether you go to work, work from home or have the day off, all members can be assured that you have your union’s support.
If you would like to discuss this further or have other feedback to give, feel free to contact:
Mark Spence
CPSU Branch President, University of Wollongong
CPSU NSW Members Support Centre
1300 772 679
ACTU / SCLC Rally
South Coast Labour Council & ACTU – Midday Protest
23 October 2018
12pm – 1pm
Wollongong Mall
Join ACTU Sally McManus, UoW Branch President Mark Spence, for the “Australia needs a pay rise RALLY”
CPSU NSW members are also encouraged to take a long lunch break on Tuesday and come along to the South Coast Labour Council Rally with ACTU, fellow CPSU NSW / PSA members and other unions.
In Union
Stewart Little
State Branch Secretary
Community and Public Sector Union (SPSF Group) NSW Branch
The Professional Staff Union – www.cpsunsw.org.au
