The CPSU NSW has been meeting with TAFE NSW on a daily basis over the past two-and-a-half weeks to obtain Work, Health and Safety (WHS) reports from the TAFE crisis team. This enables the union to better understand the impact COVID-19 is having on our members.
At these meetings CPSU NSW representatives have been advocating strongly for the safety and well-being of all staff, including continual requests for cleaning to be undertaken at various campuses, for PPE to be provided to employees on the frontline, as well as site-specific risk assessments to be undertaken.
TAFE NSW ensures the union everything is being done to ensure your health and welfare.
While TAFE may assert this, it is clear from our five regional member meetings on Wednesday 31 March, serious WHS concerns remain at TAFE NSW campuses remaining open to the public and students.
Several hundred members (mostly in Student Administration) attended those meetings on Wednesday 31 March and the following resolution was carried:
That until TAFE provides the CPSU NSW with confirmation that all relevant risk assessments related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 have been completed, and PPE provided, campuses should close to students and the public. Work will continue on campus in accordance with WHS and at home where possible.
On Thursday afternoon 1 April, CPSU NSW State Branch Assistant Secretary Troy Wright wrote to the TAFE Managing Director Steffen Faurby. In this letter he highlighted the ongoing risks faced by Student Administrative staff, and advocated for measures TAFE can put in place to reduce the risk to staff, including the closure of campuses to students and the public while maintaining access to services by either telephone or online.
This is important correspondence which will likely impact your workplace over the coming weeks. Please read it HERE.
We expect Steffen Faurby’s office to respond shortly, setting up an urgent meeting with him and other TAFE representatives.
Following the outcome of that meeting, the CPSU NSW will be meeting with the entire Delegates Council to report back and obtain further direction on action to be undertaken, if necessary.
We appreciate members being very proactive on this – you have the full support of your union.
Not a member of the CPSU? Join the union HERE.
Industrial Manager
Anne Kennelly
Organisers
Shane Jobberns
Chris Bird
South Region
Illawarra
Regina Kimmich
Chris Pickering
West Region
North Region
Sydney Region
Ultimo
Dawn Davis
George Bissoli
Simon Gray
Western Sydney Region
TAFE Digital
