Journal Archive

Nov 2000 Volume 81 Number 11 "serving the protectors"
By Mark Carroll PASA Assistant Secretary

An abridged version of the industrial report to delegates at the PASA annual conference in October 2000.

Branch Structure

At the annual conference of delegates in 1999, the structure of delegates was modified to reflect the new SAPOL organizational structure. During 2000, the majority of branches has been an effective tool for the membership in raising the awareness of issues to the committee of management.

With the impending enterprise bargaining negotiations for a third enterprise agreement, the branches have debated a variety of issues to form the foundation of PASA’s third claim. Along with a number of branch motions from last year’s conference, the committee of management is confident that the issues requiring progression vide enterprise bargaining have been identified.

The evolution of the branch structure has progressed well over the last 12 months. Most notably, the Women’s Branch, Metro South and Metro North Branches, Crime Command Branch, Public Affairs Branch, Officers Branch, ATSI Branch and the Western Remote Branch have been active in seeking out the views of their membership and have encouraged a larger participation in branch affairs to a wider audience than just the conference delegate or workplace delegate.

Training

The training of delegates continues to evolve. Committee of management has endorsed a modulized training program in 2001 for all PASA officials. This form of training will occur in 2001 with each module being no longer than a day’s training at a time. It is hoped that this will increase delegate participation as the previous training courses of three days duration made it difficult for delegates to attend.

Disputation

PASA staff have dealt with over 360 files this year to date. Issues are constituted of personal grievance, industrial grievance or legal issues.

Dealing with SAPOL on industrial issues has been problematic in 2000. PASA was so concerned with the number of outstanding industrial issues awaiting a response from SAPOL - some of which had taken an extraordinary amount of time to resolve - we wrote to the executive director of the Department of Premier and Cabinet seeking its intervention to avoid the majority of issues being listed as formal disputes in the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission (SAIRC). As a result of this complaint, SAPOL established protocols to deal with issues expeditiously. Although far from perfect, issues raised by PASA with SAPOL are currently being dealt with in a more appropriate manner.

PASA has notified a number of disputes with the SAIRC this year. Matters resolved with the assistance of the SAIRC include:

• Relieving of police positions by civilians.
• Higher duties relieving - instructions under clause 15 of the Police Officers Award.
• Wage maintenance.
• Estoppel on appointment.

PASA also lodged an underpayment of wages and award interpretation dispute with the SAIRC. The matter hinged upon the interpretation of the definition of shift worker and what breaks the continuity of shiftwork. The matter was heard before Magistrate Gunn and he has reserved his decision.

Part Time Employment

Part-time employment in SAPOL has been challenging for PASA this year. A number of disputes relative to the rostering requirements of part-time employees have necessitated the lodgment of disputation with the SAIRC. A matter is currently before the SAIRC that involves award interpretation of clause 10a of the Police Officers Award. Further, the committee of management has recently rejected SAPOL policy relative to Part Time Employment Policy and Procedures as SAPOL seeks to “create” part time positions and does not adequately commit to section 3 (n) of the Industrial and Employees Relations Act 1994 relative to assisting employees balance their work and family responsibilities. This matter is subject to further negotiation.

OHS & W

PASA has been active relative to OHS&W issues affecting the membership. An example of this activity is without question the plain vehicle specifications. Without any employee consultation, SAPOL altered departmental policy on unmarked police patrol vehicles. These cars consequently underwent specification changes in April this year. Removed from these vehicles were safety features including the passenger airbag, ABS brakes and sports suspension. PASA contended that SAPOL had breached sections of the OHS & W Act and advised both the WorkCover Corporation and Police Minister. The decision to downgrade these vehicle’s safety equipment was inconsistent with the performance standards for self-insured employers.

As a result, WorkCover has sought explanation from SAPOL. PASA has requested the Commissioner of Police to review this decision. SAPOL ceased the issue of non-police pack vehicles in the Commodore range in July. PASA reaffirmed its position in August that SAPOL should continue to provide the safety features (police pack) to all operational vehicles. PASA currently awaits a final response from SAPOL on this issue. As reported by the president of PASA in the August 2000 Police Journal: “...the ramifications for the employer - should a member be injured - are blatantly obvious.”

Other issues being dealt with currently regarding OHS&W include the removal of the PR 24 baton, Transit solo patrols, and driver training for probationary constables.

Staffing

The issue of staffing found its way into the industrial arena. As reported at last year’s conference, PASA officials were invited onto the Premier’s Taskforce to deal with this issue. The president has reported the outcome of the task force and the challenge now is to remain vigilant on staffing issues so that we are not faced with similar problems in the future.

Enterprise Bargaining

This conference will formalize PASA’s claim on behalf of the membership for the third round of bargaining. PASA officials visited metropolitan and country workplaces in September to consult with members over the claim. Bargaining will commence at the expiration of the current agreements on November 18, 2000. As always, the challenge for members, delegates and PASA is to approach the formalization of the claim in a holistic manner. The membership comprises every rank and function of the force, and each seek specific outcomes, which is to be expected. However, the success of this bargaining period is solely dependant on a collective viewpoint and solidarity among the membership.

The committee of management believes this period of bargaining is not just about money. It is about the working conditions of the membership and protecting the safeguards inherent in our industry. It is about equitable outcomes for the entire membership and a claim that is responsible and appropriate. This forum will have the opportunity to debate the claim presented so you may guide your negotiators on the issues on which our members will draw a line in the sand. The claim represents the views discussed at branch level over the last 12-18 months and includes motions carried at last year’s conference.

PASAweb   Index & Search   Top of Page   Comments   Email to Editor

The Police Journal Online is an official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 2000  The Police Association of South Australia sustance