DHCS - important casual staff meeting

This is an important step towards fixing the problem. CPSU will hold a meeting with affected staff to discuss the mechanism and wants your feedback.

What happened?

CPSU members told us casual loadings are not being paid and staff are losing significant portions of their pay each fortnight. CPSU met with DHCS and CMD to fix the issue on Thursday 24 January. DHCS agreed to look at a proposal to vary the agreement, which would facilitate payment of the casual loading. Following consultation with DHCS on the final wording of the clause, we now have something for staff to comment on.

The issue is complex

Under the new union collective agreement casual employees are entitled to a 20% loading on the hours they work, in lieu of leave. If you perform shift work and/or overtime, you are entitled to the appropriate shift penalties or overtime payments to be calculated on your base rate of pay, and then have the 20% loading applied. This has been the practice for some years.

The correct calculation of your pay and interpretation of the agreement is an important and complex matter. Your union has professional expertise in this area – so if you are concerned about your casual loading, which could be as much as $150 a week, you need to come to a CPSU meeting.

What do I need to do get my loading back?

While there is still some way in the process to go, it appears we are all heading in the right direction. Any variation to the agreement must be accepted by the staff affected. This will require a vote from all staff. CPSU will be encouraging members to support the change.

All DSO casual staff should attend this meeting to ensure the variation mechanism is successful. If you are not a member of the CPSU, you are still encouraged to attend and find out more information.

• Meeting venue: Nature Conservation House, Gnd Floor Conference & Doonkuna Room
• Meeting date: Monday 17 March
• Meeting times: 12.30 – 1.30 pm & 4 – 5 pm.

Not yet a member?

Thanks to the work and support of CPSU members, DHCS staff have gained a competitive pay rise with no loss of conditions or entitlements. Now is the time to support yourself and your colleagues who have contributed by joining the CPSU. You can join quickly and securely online or by calling 1300 137 636.