Hundreds of CPSU members in Centrelink Processing teams have joined with their Call Centre colleagues in voting to support the SMART Centre concept. However, members support is contingent on changes benefiting staff and that current working conditions are protected.
SMART Centres must deliver for members too
The CPSU is meeting with DHS management to ensure that the expectations of many thousands of union members in Call Centres and Processing teams across the country are clearly known. We will be presenting a list of outcomes voted on by CPSU members which set out what change needs to deliver for them.
quality jobs which provide a variety of work and opportunities for staff, where work priorities are made clear to staff and changes made in consultation with staff
adequate training and professional development for staff before they are expected to perform new duties
fair, reasonable and achievable performance expectations, consistent with APS classification
no reductions in value or classification of work.
the maintenance of stable and adequate staffing levels, including an ongoing commitment to keeping small team environments in regional centres
prioritisation of staff health and safety when management contemplate changes to work practices and introductions of new technologies
improved local arrangements for negotiating rosters and scheduled activities, including greater flexibility for staff when it comes to their hours of work which respect the reasons people are working in a processing centre rather than a call centre.
What happens next?
CPSU representatives are meeting with DHS to discuss staff feedback and ask for more details of the proposal.
Consultation meetings are taking place with PST and JCN staff this month.
Meetings with DHS SMART Centre national managers are being organised.
We are working with DHS to ensure that the delivery of the SMART Centres is in line with the expectations of CPSU members and is in the best interests of staff as well as the department..
Join the union – together is how we will succeed
CPSU members are sending a strong message to DHS about the terms on which they can support the SMART Centre concept. But our influence and ability to back these words up depends on the number of staff working together in their union.
Staff not yet CPSU members need to join online here or by calling 1300 137 636.
