Your CPSU NSW representatives and workplace delegates John Williams, Faith Dent, Reden Quibuyen and Trevor Coughran attended a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting on 28 July.
The following matters were discussed on behalf of CPSU members:
As members will be aware, the new Northcott Enterprise Agreement (EA) came into force on 12 July. Northcott had constructed new rosters in the lead up to approval of the agreement and most members will have now transitioned to those rosters. Members should familiarise themselves with the new Rostering Principles located in Schedule B of the EA as there have been some significant changes from the CLA.
We have also received feedback from members regarding requests from Northcott to sign forms agreeing to reduce the standard break between shifts from 10 hours to 8 hours. This is allowable under the new EA however it can only be done if you individually agree to it.
Members should also have received the one-off, 4 week EA sign-on payment last week.
While the payment of back pay for affected members was made earlier in the year, the outstanding reconciliation of relevant leave balances was only processed this week. This includes the payment of any outstanding leave loading. The CPSU was briefed on this process and we are satisfied that, in general, this have been done correctly. Having said that, if there are any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Member Support Centre for assistance. While the changes were being processed, members may have seen their leave balances rise and fall a number of times however, now that the process has been completed, your balances should now be accurate.
The CPSU continues to receive reports of matters of concern in relation to the ongoing COVID pandemic. We have raised a number of issues with Northcott including the access to vaccinations, risk mitigation strategies and the temporary suspension of day programs. On this last issue, members should be aware that the NSW Government has extended the suspension of day programs until at least 28 August.
Northcott have advised that they are conducting a program to try and offer more hours to permanent part time staff. In addition to this voluntary program, members should be aware that the new EA allows staff to request a review of part time hours where you have been consistently working more than your contract hours. This option allows for an increase in your contract hours in these circumstances.
Additionally, a casual employee who has been regularly working a consistent number of hours over a period of 6 months, may apply to have their employment converted to permanent pert time.
The next JCC is scheduled for 20 October.
If you have and concerns about the above or any other issues, please contact the CPSU NSW.
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