Your union representatives met with DIAC management on 11 and 12 September for the third NSCF of 2008. A number of key issues were discussed including: a productivity update including unscheduled absence, performance development agreements, Comcare reporting, staff survey; 457 centres of excellence, and National Office / Overseas network cutbacks.
Productivity update
Your union sought an update on how DIAC is measuring against the productivity
improvements outlined in the Collective Agreement 2007 – 2010. For DIAC
employees to achieve the 0.4% pay increase in March 2009, a number of
improvements on the following should be achieved;
A reduction in unplanned leave (Not achieved)
An increase in eligible staff completing their PDA (Not achieved)
75% of staff participating in the Staff Survey (Achieved)
Improved reporting of OHS incidents and timeframes by which claims are
submitted (Achieved)
There is scope for the Secretary to approve the payment if all elements are
not achieved. Your union raised concerns about elements of the productivity
measures that fall out of employees control including – managers responsibility
to ensure PDAs are in place and underlying factors such as workload, stress and
staff cuts that can contribute to higher levels of unscheduled absence.
Performance Development Agreements
Performance Development Agreements can be a useful tool for employees in both
identifying areas of strength and also areas for development or training
requirements. It is in everyone’s interest to have a current PDA in place,
however ultimately it is your managers responsibility to ensure your PDA is
completed. Your union will soon be circulating an on-line poll seeking
information from DIAC staff on whether you have a completed PDA. If you have
questions about the PDA process please email
DIAC.members@cpsu.org.au
Unscheduled absence
Your union sought clarification on a number of issues pertaining to
unscheduled absence including reporting mechanisms. CPSU understands that
employees in some work areas of NSW are still required to report to their EL1 if
they taking unplanned leave. National management confirmed that when staff are
reporting unscheduled absence, it is sufficient to notify your direct line
supervisor. DIAC have agreed to notify managers of the agreed protocol. If you
are still being asked to report unscheduled absence to your EL1 please email the
union at DIAC.members@cpsu.org.au
as a mater of urgency.
A new management policy in QLD was brought to your unions attention –
outlining procedures whereby staff would be required to engage in a “return to
work” conversation with their boss if more than 2 days unplanned leave are
accessed within a two month period. Based on concerns raised by your
representatives, DIAC have agreed to pull the policy from operation.
457 Processing
Your union raised issues regarding the new 24 hour processing model,
accommodation problems in the centres of excellence and workload pressures. DIAC
have agreed to immediately investigate accommodation issues and your union will
pursue ongoing concerns regarding 457 processing out of session.
Overseas Network
Due to recent cutbacks in the overseas network and national office. Affected
employees are reporting an increase in workload pressures. Your union reported
concerns to DIAC and will be surveying staff shortly.
