DFAT - CPSU gains assurances on your jobs and entitlements after budget cut announcements
23 January 2008, 4:47pm
Assistant CPSU National Secretary, Margaret Gillespie, along with ACT Organiser, Peter Seal and DFAT CPSU Staff Representative, Edgar Jimenez, met with DFAT Deputy Secretary, Doug Chester and CMD FAS, James Wise on Friday 18th January, 2008 to seek information and assurances on DFAT jobs and entitlements following the Government’s announced $57.25 million cuts from DFAT’s budget.
The CPSU sought assurances that:
staff at post would not be required to pick up additional workloads as a result of the recall of 20 overseas staff
That the staff being recalled would be adequately compensated and not be disadvantaged by the recall.
That cuts to travel and representation funds do not adversely affect staff travelling to and from post
Margaret Gillespie sought assurances that in future DFAT would consult with the union that represents DFAT staff prior to similar announcements such as the $57.25 million budget cuts.
DFAT Deputy Secretary, Doug Chester, assured the CPSU that:
DFAT’S priority is to minimize the impact of budget cuts on the organization and individuals
That recalled staff would not be financially disadvantaged and that recall dates had been adjusted to accommodate staff’s particular circumstances.
That ‘Heads of Mission’ had been instructed to review workloads to reflect staff levels.
There would be no reduction of entitlements or impact on staff travelling to and from post.
DFAT, where possible, would consult or advise the CPSU prior to future announcements
That DFAT had a good relationship with the CPSU and would work at maintaining that relationship.
Have your say:
If this or any other issue is of concern to you, then now is the time to become active in your union. It is only through the active involvement of staff, raising matters that affect you and your fellow staff that your union is able to protect and improve your employment conditions. If you are a member of the CPSU ask your colleagues to join online at https://web.cpsu.org.au/join.asp
