Your CPSU NSW representatives and workplace delegates Darren Borrow and Vicki Ingersole Graeme Furnace, attended a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting with Life Without Barriers (LWB) on 5 October.
The following matters were discussed on behalf of CPSU NSW members:
The CPSU NSW has been advised that LWB will be undertaking a restructure of the organisation. It will affect approximately 220 staff members . Importantly, LWB has confirmed no frontline staff will be impacted and stated that:
The categories of roles impacted are across a range of LWB’s business activities with the vast majority of impacts in corporate and back-office support roles, including senior managerial roles. LWB is not reducing the number of roles providing direct care support to our clients.
The CPSU NSW will keep members updated once we receive further information about the Restructure from LWB. Please contact the union should you have any concerns and/or are impacted by the Restructure.
Roster review process
The roster review consultation process is still underway and LWB is working towards providing all hours of care in response to NDIS changes to funding.
Team meetings
With the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions continuing, LWB anticipates more team meetings will occur onsite in a face-to-face format. Many members have advised the CPSU NSW that it has been a long time since they have seen the presence of their Coordinator at these meetings. LWB has agreed to look into increasing Coordinator attendance to facilitate a greater sense of inclusion after months of COVID-related isolation requirements.
COVID-19 measures and vaccinations
Members may be aware of the recent changes requiring mandatory vaccination of all Disability Workers. The deadline for first doses is 25 October with second doses due by 29 November. The CPSU NSW bulletin detailing these developments can be viewed HERE. LWB advises it is continuing to work with individuals to ensure compliance with the latest health orders and members should contact the CPSU NSW for assistance if required.
LWB also advised the CPSU NSW that by mid-October, visitors would be allowed into Group Homes subject to risk assessments being implemented. Please ensure that all Health and Safety precautions are applied to ensure a safe working environment is maintained for all.
A number of members have contacted the CPSU NSW expressing concern following requests for information about their vaccination status from clients’ family members. Be aware that you are under no obligation to divulge these details and family members should be directed to LWB should they have any concerns. LWB has agreed with this approach.
The CPSU NSW has requested that leave covering the Christmas period be finalised promptly in order to allow members to make plans, particularly in light of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. LWB stated that each unit has now started to build leave plans for the period.
The next JCC is scheduled for January 2022.
If you have and concerns about the above or any other issues, please contact the CPSU NSW.
Know a non-member? Ask them to join the CPSU NSW HERE.
