TAMS and unions consultation

This forum enables TAMS and unions to discuss issues across the service. CPSU is committed to ensuring staff are informed and consulted on any changes to their work and workplaces and are provided with opportunities to influence these decisions.

Workplace diversity update

TAMS presented an update on Diversity Related Initiatives including forums to explain Work/Life balance initiatives provided through the new Union Collective Agreement, disABILITY workshops and the mental health reference groups, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment strategy, a review of the Women’s Workplace Action Plan and the Women’s Committee. CPSU welcomes these strategies and encourages members to attend and provide input; your union regularly conducts surveys on ‘What Women Want’ and will be providing feedback to support these initiatives.

OHS update

TAMS provided feedback from the OHS Steering Committee. While the number of incidents and accidents is reducing, the cost of incidents and claims is increasing. While much of the rise can be attributed to the rising costs of medical treatment, CPSU believes more can be done to reduce hazards and improve safety in the workplace. Significant work must be done to review the ‘designated work groups’ structure in TAMS, identify and train Health and Safety Representatives and reinvigorate the OHS Committee meetings. If you are interested in stepping up and taking an active role in OHS please contact CPSU.

Are you new to TAMS?

Have you been inducted yet? Following concerns and queries from members, your union sought clarification from TAMS about their process for inducting new staff who had not yet been formally inducted. Strategic HR confirmed TAMS will run monthly new staff inductions and encourage all managers to identify new staff in the area to attend. If you have not been inducted, let your manager know and you should attend the next available induction.

Other business

Unions sought clarification about the Composite allowance to be negotiated for all GSO and Ranger staff in Parks, Conservation and Lands. TAMS are still in the process of gathering information about approximately 150 allowances currently claimed by staff. TAMS stated their intention to have the composite allowance finalised within six months from the date of effect of the agreement. The allowance must be agreed to by the parties, and CPSU will be seeking feedback and involvement from staff in PCL.

CPSU wrote to TAMS seeking clarification on the implementation of the Smoke Free Workplace Policy, and sought further clarification at the ACC. TAMS wrote to CPSU confirming they will contribute to the cost of QUIT programs including providing staff with free nicotine replacement therapies. TAMS confirmed staff will be able to negotiate breaks from the workplace to smoke in the transition period. Your union raised concerns over the enforcement of this policy and queried how alleged breaches would be dealt with. TAMS confirmed the intention is not to create ‘smoking police’, and alleged breaches would only be dealt with when staff had not followed all reasonable requests.

CCTV surveillance in the workplace - Mike Zissler announced his intention to install CCTV surveillance equipment throughout workplaces in TAMS. The CCTV footage would be used to investigate any criminal activity and alleged discipline matters. CPSU is concerned about the implications of this policy and is seeking member feedback. TAMS has not released detail of the policy, and we will be writing to TAMS for further clarification.

If you have any questions, or would like to raise an issue please contact your CPSU organiser via email andrew.mckeown@cpsu.org.au or (02) 6220 9650.