The CPSU NSW continues consultation meetings with Life Without Barriers (LWB) to negotiate the transitional arrangements that will apply from 22 February 2023, the date of transition from the Community Living Award (CLA) to the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2020 (the SCHADS Award). Please find the latest bulletin to members HERE.
The CPSU NSW has also attended the staff briefing sessions in January 2023 to advise staff on the transitional arrangements that will apply. Affected staff and the union have been invited to submit any questions they have to LWB for response as circulated to the parties.
LWB has agreed to preserve the base rate and salary under the CLA. The base rate of pay does not include the allowances, penalty rates or overtime that you are currently paid (your current rate of pay). If you currently work shifts, depending on your start/finish time, your current take-home pay may be reduced as a result of the transition.
The shift penalty under the CLA depend on the start of the shift however the shift penalty under SCHADS depends on the finish of the shift. SCHADS penalties apply for shifts finishing after 8pm-midnight (12.5 per cent) or midnight-6am (15 per cent) Monday to Friday. This means CLA staff who are currently doing an afternoon shift Monday to Friday commencing 10am-1pm (10 per cent) or commencing 1pm-4pm (12.5 per cent) or evening shift commencing 4pm-4am (15 per cent) will be affected.
The salary for administrative staff under the CLA will be preserved at 35 hours per week for current full time staff. However on transfer, full-time staff under SCHADS is 38 hours per week. This means affected staff continuing on 35 hours will be part-time. If you wish to increase your hours to 38 hours to retain full-time status you will need to be compensated for the additional three hours worked. Please make a request in writing to LWB and/or send correspondence to the union.
The CPSU NSW has informed members the union will make an application for a take-home pay order for any member who has had an actual reduction in their current pay as a result of the transition.
CPSU NSW will continue do everything we can to protect and promote the employment interests of disability services staff in NSW.
For further information, contact the CPSU NSW on 1300 772 679 and ask to speak with one of our dedicated disability staff.
Industrial Officer
Xanthe Thomson
Organisers
Vivette Horrex
Alex Sala
Mel Coombes
Regional Organisers
Shane Elliott
Stephen Mears
Gina Di Candilo
Belinda Pearce
Rebecca Reilly
Thomas Hooper
