Here is the latest news from the University of Sydney CPSU NSW Branch Committee.
This Draft Change Plan (DCP) involves a major modification to the structure of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the re-design of many roles. Dozens of positions will be spilled, and many others will simply disappear. Although overall staffing numbers will not decrease, this DCP weakens vital elements of ICT service and seeks to remove technical specialisation and introduce significant role generalisation. This is a similar change to those outlined in the DCP currently affecting Technical Services members servicing Engineering where member feedback and CPSU NSW input has led to some re-thinking of the change-plan intentions. There are widespread fears amongst ICT members that this will not only lead to a drop-off in expertise and employability of ICT staff, but that it will also have a very bad effect on the capacity of ICT to properly service staff of the University who rely on ICT on a daily basis.
CPSU NSW has worked hard for our members on the change plan and the unions secured an extension of time for staff to consider the DCP from the original feedback cut-off date of Dec 4 through to December 18. In the meantime, we will be pursuing information we believe is missing from the data and general information that should have been provided to justify the measures outlined in the change proposal. Should this not be provided, we will be talking to affected members about taking further steps.
SafeWork NSW defines a Psycho-Social Hazard as aspects of work and situations that may cause a stress response, which in turn, can lead to psychological or physical harm. Examples include bullying, work overload, lack of role clarity, exposure to traumatic events etc. For more information about Pyscho-Social Hazards, see the SafeWork NSW website.
If you suffer a Pyscho-Social Hazard at work, you should not only inform your union delegate, but you should also report it in RiskWare. Make sure that when you lodge it in RiskWare, that you tick the option to make it Confidential. This will ensure that it bypasses your manager and goes direct to Star Health, who handle these complaints.
Having a workplace conversation in relation to a WHS risk, including Psyhco-Social Hazards, can be positive, but unless something is in writing it may not carry much weight. If you make a Riskware report, an official record is made. If the University does not respond usefully, there may be liability issues for the University if there has been no adequate response and significant issues do arise. This is why making a Riskware report is extremely important. If you have any doubts about making a Riskware Report, get in touch with a CPSU NSW Delegate!
Moving Chemicals
Recently, a member advised us that their supervisor made them move chemicals between two buildings. As the chemicals were in uncovered containers, the member expressed concern about the safety of undertaking such a task. In the event you are asked to perform such a task, keep the following in mind:
What chemicals are being moved?
Are they hazardous?
If they are hazardous, will they be moved in a sealed container?
What are the hazardous risks in the event there is a leakage or breakage?
If you feel uncomfortable about performing such a task, contact your local Health and Safety Representative (HSR), or contact your union delegate.
Lighting Audit
As a result of our lobbying at Health & Safety Consultative Committee Meetings, an audit was done on University external lighting across Camperdown/Darlington campus and Camden campus during October. The review looked at the lighting readings and identified where lighting was not working in some locations of the campus. Lighting across 8 buildings was fixed following this review. The area around Grose Farm Lane was identified as having insufficient lighting, Campus Operation Services and University Infrastructure are working to uplift lighting in the area as this will require new lighting to be installed.
As a member of the CPSU NSW, you are entitled to a membership with Union Shopper. With the holiday season upon us, take advantage of discount savings with groceries (Woolworths, IGA, or Coles), petrol (Ampol, United), travel (Webjet), holiday accommodation (Airbnb), electronic devices (Apple, JB Hi-Fi), and white goods (GoodGuys), to name a few categories. For more information see https://unionshopper.com.au/
Recently, the branch committee lost long time delegates Rachelle Downe and Ivan Coates due to them both leaving the university. Rachelle also served as the Women’s Officer for a number of years, whilst Ivan was Vice-President on a number of occasions. The branch would like to thank them both for their outstanding service and wish them every success in their future endeavours. On a positive note, the branch has just welcomed back Norton Roughley as a delegate. Norton gives the branch solid representation in the ICT / AV areas.
When a DCP is issued, Clause 468(k) of the current Enterprise Agreement states that:
“proposals to address any anticipated changes to workloads, potentially including
cessation or reduction of work; demonstrable efficiencies in processes, information technology, or similar; and/or the redistribution of any remaining work.”
This means that workload and efficiencies is a factor that must be addressed in any change plan.
We have highlighted a section of the above excerpt because, due to the CPSU NSW successfully arguing for changes to the Enterprise Agreement in the last negotiation process, there is now a greater onus on the University to demonstrate with evidence that changes, particularly those involving reducing staffing levels overall or in certain functions, will not add to workload for the staff that remain.
Vague statements that technological improvements and improved ways of working will introduce efficiencies that will mitigate against increases in workload when staffing numbers are decreased should now be backed up with evidence that supports such statements.
Please let us know if this is not happening in any formal change process you are involved in.
Ruth Livingstone
Vice President
Montserrat Vigo Montes
Assistant Secretary
Peter Adams
Work Health and Safety Officer
Branch Delegates
The CPSU NSW encourages you to talk to your non-union professional staff colleagues about the ways the CPSU NSW has advanced your rights and conditions as well as fighting to retain jobs to show them how your union works for you.
