As you may be aware, the union put out a bulletin this morning regarding Serco’s refusal to meet with the union as scheduled this morning. In this bulletin was a survey link about industrial action next week, which was also texted out to all CCO members at CLA.
A majority of members have already completed the survey, and almost everyone who has completed the survey has indicated that they would like to proceed with next week’s 48-hour stoppage and have the union seek the Fair Work Commission’s assistance with bargaining. On that basis, we will be proceeding with the industrial action next week. Serco has been notified.
Next week’s stoppage is scheduled to commence at 6:00am on Wednesday 26 October 2022 and finish on Friday 28 Friday 2022 at 7:00am. This means that, if you are rostered on either Wednesday or Thursday, you do not need to go to work. If you are rostered on for the Tuesday nightshift, you can leave work at 6:00am, even if you are rostered to finish at 7:00am.
The union has also been made aware of communications put out by Serco stating it needs to know ‘in advance’ if you are going to participate in the stoppage, so that it can staff the centre appropriately and so that it may meet its ‘commitments to the NSW Government with respect to the operation of the centre’. You are under no obligation whatsoever to advise Serco if you are participating in the stoppage or not. While it is all well and fine that Serco wants to plan for the stoppage, providing it with the information it needs to do so defeats the purpose of going on strike.
The union will commence putting together an application to lodge in the Fair Work Commission and will let all members know as soon as this has been lodged.
Like last time, there will be no planned event for next week’s stoppage like there was for the first stoppage. If you are rostered, then you don’t have to show up to work. See your family, see your friends, do whatever you like – just don’t go to work.
As always, reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns by sending an email to , , or . Alternatively, you can call the CPSU NSW on 1300 772 679.
