the journal - march 2013

ISSUE 1: 2013 1

Print Post Approved: Post No 602 669/00351J1: 2013

FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY & PUBLIC SECTOR UNION/CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF WA

P8 IT ONLY TAKES ONE...Would you feel safe on the roads if truck driver tests were outsourced?

GA6: HOW WILL YOU GET YOUR NEXT PAY RISE?

P9 FISCAL FAILReport supports claim that governments don’t exist to run surpluses.

P6JRN-001 March v2.indd 1 28/05/13 2:42 PM

2 THE JOURNAL

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ISSUE 1: 2013 3

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Attention WA Public Sector employees EDITORIAL

ISSUE 1: 2013

It has been a busy few months since the last Journal with much of our focus centred on promoting the concerns of our members in the State Government Election on 9 March 2013.

In its first term the Barnett Government cut the budgets of public sector agencies, imposed savings measures, capped the number of staff employed in public services, and privatised important public services.

It also opposed amendments to the WA Industrial Relations Act to allow public sector workers to access to the WA Industrial Relations Commission on all employment matters.

Instead it introduced a Bill into parliament late last year that, if passed, will diminish the rights and entitlements of workers in Western Australia.

In response the CPSU/CSA, along with other public sector unions, launched the Save Our Services campaign.

Many members involved themselves in the various campaign activities including: participating in workplace meetings; talking about the campaign goals with other workers, friends and family; talking with their club and community group members, participating in advertising materials and distributing materials in the workplace and to households issues; writing letters to the local press or voicing our concerns through talk back radio; committing to vote for public services on election day, and handing out “how to vote” to Save Our Services at election booths in critical electorates.

Thank you to all who participated in our campaign to date.

Initial evaluations of our activities are positive. Our media advertising work has been well received and members found our material helpful in assessing who to vote for. Many members have appreciated everyone’s efforts in voicing concerns in the various media news reports about the challenges faced by public service workers.

Our work in local communities has yielded many people supportive of the work of our members and the excellent job they do.

Whilst we have had an impact there clearly remains much work to be done.

Premier Colin Barnett has publicly foreshadowed cuts to services and programs in a postponed August State Budget commenting “…this term of Government is certainly going to be tougher financially than the first term”.

The Premier and Treasurer Troy Buswell are now putting more pressure on government employees to find more savings above and beyond what they have already endured.

Senior government managers have been forced to make decisions in a rushed manner which is not good governance and reduces accountability.

We are keen to see the devil in the detail in the 2013-14 budget and will scrutinise decisions that further reduce staff numbers and services to the public.

We will continue to pursue our goal of a

well-resourced and valued public service and firmly advocate this with both the Premier and the Opposition Leader.

Our Save Our Services campaign remains as important as ever and we look forward to continuing our campaigning work with our members.

Toni Walkington Branch Secretary


NOT A MEMBER YET?JOIN TODAY AT: WWW.CPSUCSA.ORG/JOIN

The Journal is published by the CPSU/CSA.

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Toni Walkington, Rikki Hendon, Darren O’Dea, Stefan Szo, Megan Klymiuk, Dan Smith, Lesley Thomas

Stefan Szo, Dan Smith, Darren O’Dea, Megan Klymiuk, Lesley Thomas

ISSUE 1: 2013 1

Print Post Approved: Post No 602 669/00351J1: 2013

FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY & PUBLIC SECTOR UNION/CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF WA

P8 IT ONLY TAKES ONE...Would you feel safe on the roads if truck driver tests were outsourced?

GA6: HOW WILL YOU GET YOUR NEXT PAY RISE?

P9 FISCAL FAILReport supports claim that governments don’t exist to run surpluses.

P6

contents

6 General Agreement 6Introducing GA6: We need your help to start planning and developing the claim for your wages and conditions.

8 IT ONLY TAKES ONE EASY PASSDriver Assessors from the Department of Transport take action against the outsourcing of truck driving tests.

9 GOVERNMENTS DON'T EXIST TO RUN A SURPLUSA new report commissioned by your Union highlights the dangers of ongoing staffing cuts and funding shortages.

COVER STORIES

IS COMING

06

DisclaimerThe Journal is the official magazine of the Community & Public Sector Union / Civil Service Association of WA. All information within is authorised by Branch Secretary Toni Walkington, unless it is supplied by Members or advertisers. Views expressed in articles are contributors’ own and are not necessarily those of the CPSU/CSA. Statements of fact are believed to be true but no legal responsibility is taken for them. All material appearing in the Journal is copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission. The CPSU/CSA takes no responsibility for claims made in the advertising appearing within and does not endorse any of the products or services advertised (unless they are our own!)


ISSUE 1: 2013 5

REGULARS16 Short reports16 While you're waiting17 L&D course calendar18 Photo gallery20 Legal Q&A22 Member benefits

OTHER FEATURES10 Public Services matter

We look back at the mass meeting to save our public services.

11 Survival packs ease the waitUnion staff and members ease customer tension at Licensing Centres around Perth.

12 A delegate's life We chat to Derek Winters from the Department

of Environment and Conservation about life as a delegate.

13 Spotlight on Corrective Services The Supreme Court recognises the pressure Youth

Custodial Workers are under.

13 UPDATE: Banksia Hill The incident that made national headlines and led

to over 100 juveniles being detained in an adult facility.

14 Greening Perth OfficesMembers rub shoulders with eco-champions at the CPSU/CSA hosted event, supported by the City of Perth.

15 Living Smart Union Course News Feedback from participants and news about the next round of courses.

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06


IS COMING

Introducing General Agreement 6Your pay rises are set out in a General Agreement that is negotiated exclusively between the CPSU/CSA and the State Government.

The State Government, in their second-term, holds power with an outright majority and has a stated aim of reducing the size and cost of the Public Sector.

Help grow the union to secure a better outcome. Invite a colleague to join today:

History shows that in situations like these member activity is essential to securing the best possible outcome.

www.cpsucsa.org/invite

To get the best GA6 result we need everyone on board.

Ask a workmate to join today.

12 April 2013

cpsucsa.org/join

12 April 2013

GET INVOLVED

NOW


ISSUE 1: 2013 7

THE GENERAL AGREEMENT

BARGAINING PROCESS

CLAIM DEVELOPMENT PAY RISE

ACCEPTANCE OF CLAIM

CLAIM LODGEMENT

CLAIM ENDORSEMENT

LODGEMENT WITH WAIRC

NEGOTIATION

MEMBER ACTION

FIRST STEPS: CLAIM DEVELOPMENTThe first step towards securing a favourable outcome for General Agreement 6 is to consult with delegates and members.

Throughout May we consulted with delegates in EDCs to determine what opportunities and challenges are present in individual agencies, and we asked members ‘if you could add or change just one condition, what would it be and why?’ in an online feedback form.

Using information gathered during these consultations we will conduct a member survey to identify priority matters for inclusion in the claim. This will be an important opportunity for you to have a say in what conditions we should campaign for in GA6.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEMBER PARTICIPATIONOne of the key components to GA6 negotiations is your pay rises.

In 2009 the Government Wages Policy was introduced which states that any wage increase beyond the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be secured by improved efficiency/work practice reform initiatives.

Thanks to the action of members in the 2010/11 GA5 campaign the State Government was forced to acknowledge the contribution that our members have made to productivity across the public sector.

This enabled us to secure a wage increase without trading off your conditions of employment as proposed in the earlier offers from Government.

WHAT’S NEXT? UPCOMING ACTIVITIESGA6 Member Survey - June/July GA6 Mass Delegates Meeting: Tuesday, July 23

Right now, the best way to secure a better outcome this GA is to grow our union. The more members we have, the greater our bargaining power.

CPSUCSA.ORG/GA6

INVITE A COLLEAGUE TO JOINInvite one of your colleagues to join the union: www.cpsucsa.org/invite

Keep an eye on the website for updates and opportunities to get involved with the development of your GA6 claim.


8 THE JOURNAL

A six-month trial where South-West driving schools have become both instructors and assessors for truck driving assessments has been the catalyst for action by Department of Transport driving assessors.

They have held stop work meetings across the state, saying the trial that started on May 20, could encourage corruption and threaten road safety standards.

The tests relate to Heavy Rigid and Heavy Combination truck driving licences.

Branch Secretary Toni Walkington said there would be an ongoing campaign where assessors wanted to highlight the risk to the public both in terms of standards and public safety.

“How can you have privately-run companies that are profit driven teach the clients and then assess them?” Toni asked.

“It would not look good for the

companies if they taught a client to drive and then failed them because they didn’t meet a standard.

“The public needs to know that the government-employed assessors test to a standard that is the same right across Western Australia and there will be no

guarantee of the standard being maintained if it is privatised.”

In September 2012 it was revealed that up to 650 truck drivers in Victoria were given heavy vehicle licences in exchange for cash and without testing by an employee of a private company.

“We can’t understand why the Department of Transport would hand over something like this to an unregulated industry and we would like to know how the businesses are going to be audited.”

Toni suggested that the only way to ensure safe standards was for assessments to remain in the hands of independent department assessors.

“Our members are proud to maintain a high road safety standard and believe this would be compromised if it was in the hands of private companies.

“We call on the department to shelve any further privatisation trials and to put the safety of the community first.”

Last year more than 350 fatalities in WA involved a Rigid or Articulated Vehicle.2011-2012, Department of Infrastructure and Transport (Federal)

c IM

AGE BY Devar on FLICKR | near WARNBRO, W

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It only takes one easy pass


ISSUE 1: 2013 9

Governments don’t exist to run a surplusA new report commissioned by the CPSU/CSA highlights the dangers of ongoing staffing cuts and funding shortages.

The Barnett Liberal Government is blindingly obsessed by surpluses and is using current revenue to fund long-term infrastructure which should not be done according to Charles Darwin University Economics Professor Bill Mitchell.

The CPSU/CSA commissioned the report from the leading macro-economist and expert in the analysis of public finances after significant change in the December 2012 midyear review where further major funding cuts was announced through an increase of the “efficiency dividend”.

The report said State Government cutbacks to essential services saw a decline in services being offered and reducing staff levels. The report was also critical of the ALP’s approach to funding their proposed Metronet from current revenue rather than debt.

Professor Mitchell said there was no economic case to be made to justify either over taxing or underfunding recurrent service delivery agencies and imposing staff cuts that undermined productivity to create a surplus to fund capital infrastructure development.

He said the adopted fiscal management strategy was wrong because it undermined the scope and quality of recurrent services and forced the current generation to pay for the benefits of a later generation.

The report is highly critical of governments’ fixation on AAA ratings.

Professor Mitchell said it was a spurious argument to say that rating agencies would reward the Barnett Government with a AAA rating for resisting borrowing when the reasons for the rating were to determine capacity to repay borrowings.

He said ratings agencies should not be used to define fiscal prudence – in the lead up to the GFC the ratings agencies (“fraudulently”) provided the highest ratings to assets they knew were of inferior quality and at a high risk of failing.

Between 1984/1985 and 2011/2012 WA public employment grew by 33.8% compared to the labour force growth of 70.7%.

The report also slammed budget papers, mid-year review and pre-election statements, saying they lacked any justification for continued efficiency dividends and staff cuts.

It said there had been no assessment on the quality of services; that the efficiency dividend was not working and that there were negative consequences of downsizing (service shortfalls, increased overtime, increase in work backlogs, lowered morale, lower productivity of remaining workforce and increased absenteeism).

Professor Mitchell said the government didn’t exist to run surpluses.

“It exists to provide first-class services across a broad range of areas,” he said.

The report said the Barnett Liberal Government had fallen prey to the errant thinking that it is an efficient, long-term fiscal strategy to starve service delivery agencies of resources, thereby undermining the scope and quality of services to fund as much of its capital works budget as it can out of recurrent revenue.

It also said there was no rationale for ongoing staffing cuts and cost cutting.

“Cutting the quality, scope and volume of services in a bid to save is a myopic, self-defeating strategy,” Professor Mitchell said.

“Productivity growth will be the key to balancing the resource demands and unbridled cost cutting approaches to efficiency rarely are effective.”

Professor Mitchell said over the last two years it was clear that contraction in public employment had been sharp in WA.

GET YOUR COPY

Download a full copy of the report online: www.cpsucsa.org/billmitchell


10 THE JOURNAL

“If it feels like you are doing more with less, you are.”

That was the message from Branch Secretary Toni Walkington to 650 members at a mass meeting inside the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 6, where we called for an end to job cuts, the slashing of services and the mindless privatisation of essential services.

In the lead up to the State Election on March 9 Toni pleaded with the Barnett Government to stop the attacks on public servants and their professional contribution to the state.

She said it was time to enter into meaningful conversations to resolve issues in the interests of all Western Australians.

“Over the last couple of years the staffing of public services in this state has contracted sharply,” Toni said.

“What is clear is that we have not kept up in terms of public service employment numbers with that population growth.”

Ms Walkington said the government was focused on running a surplus and that attitude needed to be challenged.

“The government exists to provide a first-class services across a broad range of issues and that is why we are here because we feel strongly that we want to take pride in the work that we do, we want to deliver those first-class services.

“We want to do a good job and we can’t if the government doesn’t listen.

“We are here because we know what is happening is wrong and that unless we

do something and unless we speak out, it will keep happening.”

Toni said many members had called for the meeting because they were at the end of their tether and wanted to bring their concerns to the public’s attention.

“Public Service workers should be treated better and ultimately the public deserves to be treated better, particularly with WA’s population growing at over 1,000 people per week.

“How can public services be expected to meet growing demand when they are being scaled back so the government can achieve a budget surplus?”

At the meeting workers from Transport, Child Protection and Environment and Conservation gave personal accounts on the impact of cutbacks on their work.

UnionsWA Secretary Meredith Hammat also expressed support for our members’ valuable work and their efforts to make people aware of the state of the public services.

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Public Services Matter650 members met to discuss how public servants will meet growing demand in the face of insecure work, privatisation, under-resourcing and cut-backs.


ISSUE 1: 2013 11

More than 1600 customers at Department of Transport licensing centres across the metropolitan area received survival packs to ease the pain of being in queues for a long period of time.

The packs, with refreshments and puzzles inside, were handed out by CPSU/CSA staff over a three week period at nine centres.

“Last August we called for an additional 32 Customer Service Officers to be employed to fill major gaps across the metropolitan area but any attempt by the Department of Transport to fix the problem has not had any impact,” Branch Secretary Toni Walkington said.

“Customers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the lengthy delays that are not acceptable.

“They are taking out their frustration on the Customer Service Officers who have been abused and had things thrown at them which is creating a stressful work environment.

“Our members should not be put in a situation where they are feeling the full force of customer anger because the government can’t invest in enough staff to meet community demand.”

Toni said it was unrealistic for customers to wait more than an hour if they went to the centre on a lunch break or parents had to look after children.

“Putting on additional staff is the only answer and by that we don’t mean putting on labour hire people on short-term contracts – that is only a band-aid measure with no long-term benefit.”

The survival packs were well received by customers with many acknowledging a lack of front counter staff was having an impact on service delivery times.

CPSU/CSA members have called on Transport Services Executive Director Nina Lyhne to address the problem, saying they were suffering from stress caused by chronic under-staffing, and asking for additional permanent

Customer Service Officers to be employed as soon as possible.

“Members feel like the department’s response for more staff so far is all talk and no action.

“They are saying the pace of work is too high and they are constantly expected to work longer hours to meet demand.”

They are taking their frustration out on the Customer Service Officers who have been abused and had things thrown at them...”

Survival packs ease the waitCustomers at licensing centres get by with a little help from their union friends as the Department of Transport skirts around under-staffing issues.

IMAGE COURTESY OF MIDLAND ECHO


12 THE JOURNAL

Derek Winters is a strong advocate for being a union delegate and encourages fellow members to get involved.

The long-term Department of Environment and Conservation employee has been a delegate since the mid 1980s but recently stepped up his involvement with a secondment to the CPSU/CSA.

For nine months he worked with the union and pushed for recommendations from the Keelty Report to be implemented after the devastating Margaret River bush fires in 2011.

It was a big change from his regular duties in the Forest Management Branch at the Sustainable Forest Management division where his team manages the sustainability and health of our forests.

Derek jumped at the opportunity to be seconded and “learn what it is all about” after speaking to a union organiser.

“I saw this as an opportunity to try something new,” Derek said.

His focus was on Keelty recommendation

five that said DEC should make succession planning a priority, explore options to attract and retain staff, and review salary levels that matched decision-making required in major activities such as prescribed burns.

“I had hoped to achieve more but we have raised the awareness of the campaign and hopefully our members remain fired up and keep going with it.”

Derek said the opportunity was great for his personal development and he learnt a lot about planning as well.

“The role exposed me to other government agencies and gave me a great understanding of how the union works which members and delegates might not necessarily see.”

He became a union delegate early on in his working life.

“My delegate got the manager’s job and said he couldn’t be a manager and a delegate at the same time and said I was going to be it.”

But his involvement was probably more likely given family history.

“My father had a strong union background from an early age so it was in my blood.

“I enjoy being a delegate and apart from passing on information and activating people I have also advocated for a few people in discussions with management.

“I was involved as a union councillor for three years as well.”

Derek said there was a lot of value to being a delegate, being a strong believer in collective bargaining and unionism.

“I am there to represent the people and not push my own views and I hope to achieve a better outcome and a better workplace for members.

“I had a couple of wins which I have enjoyed.”

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I am there to represent the people and not push my own views and I hope to achieve a better outcome and a better workplace for members...”

A Delegate’s LifeDerek Winters Department of Environment & Conservation


ISSUE 1: 2013 13

UPDATE: Banksia HillThe incident that made national headlines and lead to over 100 juveniles being detained in an adult facility. Prolonged under-resourcing and the unnecessary closure of the Rangeview Remand Centre played a key role in the lead up to the riot at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre on January 20 where up to 100 cells were damaged.

Immediately after the incident we successfully negotiated for the majority of the male juvenile population to be relocated to nearby Hakea Prison because the safety of the cells was compromised and our members did not feel safe.

Branch Secretary, Toni Walkington was critical of the Barnett Liberal Government decision to close Rangeview that resulted in Western Australia only having one juvenile detention facility.

“On many occasions we said combining all sentenced and remanded juveniles, both male and female, in one centre, would create the potential for the sort of incident that occurred in January,” Toni said.

“In the months prior to the riot it was common for shifts to be under-staffed; forcing rolling lock-downs where only a percentage of detainees could be unlocked at any give time

because of safety issues.“Repeated instances of rolling lock-

downs, particularly in warm weather, often led to unrest.”

The CPSU/CSA has called for more youth custodial officers to be recruited and trained to cover vacancies created by secondments, long-term leave and workers compensation.

There also needs to be a focus on reducing turnover of staff working in juvenile detention and further attention to resourcing programs aimed at reducing criminal behaviour.

“The Barnett Liberal Government needs to provide incentives to retain the services of the experienced officers and attract more staff.

“We have genuine fears that failure to do so will lead to more staff leaving the department and a further compounding of the problems that led to the riot.”

These issues were part of the union’s submission to the Inspector of Custodial Services as part of a review of the incident.

The work our members do in Corrective Services and in particular in the juvenile detention system was in the spotlight in late April/early May.

In the Supreme Court Chief Justice Wayne Martin ruled the department had limited options to safely secure the detainees after the damaging riot at the Banksia Hill Detention Centre in January.

Branch Secretary Toni Walkington said the decision would be welcomed by youth custodial officers and administration staff at Banksia Hill as it acknowledged the work they were doing before and after the majority of the juvenile population was transferred to nearby Hakea Prison.

“Our members were doing the best they could in a challenging situation and it must be stressed they had the detainees’ best interests at heart,” Toni said after the Supreme Court hearing decision was handed down.

There has also been a call for new Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis to reverse the trend where the roles of prevention and diversion officers have been reduced.

The officers try to keep offenders out of the youth justice system by working with them and their families to reduce anti-social behaviour

We also hit out at the minister who said “perhaps we are recruiting the wrong people” and “perhaps some people are just in the wrong job” in reference to the high number of youth custodial officers involved in some form of workers compensation.

“That is a slap in the face for the stringent process that is already in place,” Toni said.

She said the minister would solve a lot of the problems if he put on more staff to deal with the high workload.

Spotlight on Corrective Services

THE WEST AUSTRALIAN, THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2013 p14


14 THE JOURNAL

The importance of developing workplace sustainability was the aim of the inaugural Greening Perth Offices conference held at the CSA Centre on April 16.

Participants learnt how to influence cultural change in the workplace and discovered how workplace champions can motivate workforces to be part of the sustainability plan.

Event organiser Lesley Thomas said there was a lot of energy in the room and described the event as a major success.

“By the end of the day there was a lot of networking and people were making a commitment about what they were going to do back in their workplace,” she said.

“We also received a lot of very positive feedback about the union being involved and driving the campaign.”

The union also signed up two new members from the event.

Lesley said they integrated green thinking in all aspects of the event including using a small catering firm with a strong focus on local food, encouraging participants to take public transport and writing on paper that was made from stone rather than wood.

One of the key messages was the need to work collectively to develop more workplace champions and spread the word.

Greening Perth OfficesMembers rub shoulders with eco-champions Josh Byrne and Colin Aston-Graham at the Greening Perth Offices seminar hosted by the CPSU/CSA.

I found being in a room with so many like minded people for all agencies and organisations, and listening to all the presenters, a breath of fresh air. Participant from Dept. of Corrective Services.


ISSUE 1: 2013 15

“How can we get our agency from where we are now to where their agency is?”

This question came through loud and strong at the recent Living Smart Union Workplace course.

Julia Stevenson (Polytechnic West) found herself the centre of attention as she outlined her agency’s corporate culture of turning off lights, monitors and computers at the end of the day, separating out recyclables and celebrating everyday workplace sustainability champions.

By the end of the course, participants knew what they wanted to do: find workplace sustainability champions who could mentor them in creating positive changes in their workplaces and develop effective strategies to gain management support.

Greening Perth Offices identified some amazing potential mentors and the 2013 program is now in development.

Contact Lesley Thomas for more information on upcoming courses, events and activities: [email protected]

Not familiar with Living Smart?Living Smart Union is an environmental and lifestyle education program that helps members to live more sustainable lifestyles.

Living Smart means having a lifestyle that maximises your well-being, your health, and your happiness, while making financial sense and reducing your impact on the environment.

For more information visit us online at: www.cpsucsa.org/livingsmart

COURSES

Living Smart Union Course News

...this course offers many paths to a sustainable life and work style. Sharing with others opens new possibilities, provides new insights and possible solutions.”

Julia Stevenson

The event’s carbon emissions will be offset by tree planting in the Wheatbelt and food waste was sent to a worm farm.

Lesley said the aim of the event was to kick-start the public sector’s drive towards workplace sustainability and “enabling the public sector to be the model for the 21st Century”.

“Our focus was on the importance of people in achieving workplace sustainability rather than on buildings and technology.

“Without people you don’t get anywhere.”

One of the messages is that it is pointless having a building with a good energy rating if it was not being managed properly.

“Thanks to everyone who supported the event and made it possible, we are appreciative of the City of Perth that spent nearly $9000 to support the event.”

DOWNLOADS

Couldn’t attend?

Download presentations from these presenters online:

Josh Byrne

Lorraine Stivey

Louis Bettini

Theresa Putland

Shona Hunter

Alex Scott

David Wake

Colin Ashton-Graham

www.cpsucsa.org/gpo


16 THE JOURNAL

Each word must contain 4 or more letters and must use the centre letter. Use each letter only once, no proper nouns, plurals or verb forms ending in 's'. There is one nine letter word.45 (words) = Good90 = Great110 = ExcellentThere are 114 words.You may need a spare sheet!

R E S

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Take five with a cup and drag your eyes away from the screen - numbers or words, pick your poison.

while you're waiting...

9 LETTER BLOCKPRIVATISE, priviest, airiest, pastier, piastre, revisit, tipsier, traipse, vastier, aspire, esprit, parvis, praise, prates, priest, rapist, repast, ripest, satire, spirea, spirit, sprite, starve, stiver, striae, stripe, strive, trapes, vaster, verist, arise, asper, aster, astir, parse, paste, pavis, piste, prase, presa, prise, raise, resat, resit, saver, sepia, septa, serai, sitar, spare, spate, spear, spier, spire, spirt, spite, sprat, sprit, stair, stare, stave, stipe, strae, strap, strep, stria, strip, tarsi, verst, vesta, visit, vista, airs, apes, apse, ares, arse, east, eras, erst, etas, iris, pase, past, pest, psia, rase, rasp, rest, rise, sari, sate, sati, save, sear, seat, sept, sera, sire, site, spae, spar, spat, spit, spiv, star, step, stir, stre, tsar, vase, vast, vest, visa, vise

Puzzle ID: ISS3-2012-003

8 6 2 4 5 7 9 1 3

7 4 9 1 2 3 5 6 8

3 5 1 6 9 8 4 2 7

5 1 8 9 3 2 7 4 6

4 9 7 8 1 6 2 3 5

6 2 3 7 4 5 1 8 9

1 7 4 3 8 9 6 5 2

9 8 5 2 6 1 3 7 4

2 3 6 5 7 4 8 9 1

Solutions to JRN4-2012-003


1

7 3 4 9

6 7 2 5 4

7 9 3 2

5 8 4

8 9 2 7

9 5 8 3 1

6 9 7 2

2

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culty: Very hard.

Save Our ServicesThroughout this campaign we promoted members’ concerns about privatisation and contracting out; cutbacks and under-resourcing; and insecure work. We spoke to more than 10,200 public sector workers during the campaign and several new members joined as a result of these conversations.

Industrial ServicesThe Industrial Services Group is a team of specialised Industrial Officers and lawyers dedicated to solving your individual matters, enterprise bargaining agreements and workers compensation issues. In March the team worked on complex cases for 232 individual members.

UnionLinkOur team of UnionLink Organisers have answered 7,469 of your calls so far this year. The most popular FAQ searches were on Redeployment & Redundancy, reflecting members’ concerns about job security in a workforce threatened by cutbacks and outsourcing.

Child ProtectionIn February staff in the Department for Child Protection participated in a workload survey designed to capture information about the work they do to protect vulnerable and at-risk children. Early results showed that more than 37% of respondents were over their case limit based on their mode of employment, with

SHORT REPORTS

up to 80% being over the limit based on the intensity and complexity of their cases.

WANT MORE?Find out more about you Department or Agency by connecting online.

cpsucsa.org

facebook.com/cpsucsa

twitter.com/cpsucsa


More information & bookings: www.cpsucsa.org/training

lunch & learnsessions

SERVED FRESH IN YOUR WORKPLACE

Bullying & Confl ict in the Workplace ....... FREE

Change Management ................................. FREE

Discipline & Ethical Behaviour ................. FREE

Introduction to Your Union ....................... FREE

Occupational Health & Safety ................... FREE

Reclassifi cations & Selection Criteria ...... FREE

Understanding Awards & Agreements ..... FREE

Work Life Balance ........................................ FREE

Workload ....................................................... FREE

Email [email protected] or call 9323 3800 and ask for trainingto book a session for your workplace.

LUNCH & LEARN

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENTFOR MEMBERS AND DELEGATESLEARNING & DEVELOPMENTFOR MEMBERS AND DELEGATES

L&DUPCOMING COURSES

JUNE

Wed, 5 Reclassification & Selection Criteria - FULL

Fri, 7 OSH as a Delegate

Thur, 20 Understanding Awards and Agreements - FULL

Fri, 28 Building Teams

JULY

Wed, 3 New Parent Survival Skills

Fri, 5 Difficult Conversations

Thur, 18 Delegate Training - Day 3

AUGUST

Fri, 2 Guide to Good Management

Thur/Fri 8 - 9 Delegate Training - Days 1 & 2 - FULL

Wed, 14 Conflict in the Workplace

Fri, 16 Retirement Seminar

Wed, 28 Guide to Good Management

How to book:

Visit the Events page on the website: cpsucsa.org/whatson

Select a course. Click on the blue course name listing. (If you’re not logged in, you’ll be prompted to now.)

Click NEXT and this will take you through the booking process.

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Diffi

culty: Very hard.


18 THE JOURNAL

V90

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Members who switch their Home and Contents or Motor Insurance to Vero from 6th May to 31 July will receive a $100 Cash Card.

Vero Insurance is one of Australia’s largest intermediated general insurers supported by a strong history of helping Australians with their home and contents, motor and travel insurance needs.

Our experience and expertise gives us a greater understanding of the risks faced by individuals allowing us to deliver superior products and service.

Call 1800 809 614 or visit www.cpsucsa.org/vero and switch today.

Switch your Home and Contents or Motor Insurance

and get a $100 cash card.

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFS Licence No. 230859 trading as Vero Insurance. Vero Insurance is responsible for meeting all terms and conditions of the Insurance. Customers who obtain a quote from Vero between 6 May 2013 and 31 July 2013 will receive a $100 gift card upon payment of their premium. Quotes remain valid for 30 days from their date of issue. Offer not available on renewal of policy. All benefits are payable solely by Vero. All cover is subject to acceptance by Vero. Civil Service Insurance Agency Pty Limited ABN 35 008 949 693 AR Number 269513 is an authorised representative of Vero Insurance. You should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision about whether to purchase these products. A PDS is available from www.cpsucsa.org/vero

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111. Save Our Services:

Mass Meeting @ PCEC March 6

2. Greening Perth Offices @ CSA Centre April 16

3. May Day in Fremantle May 5

THE GALLERY


ISSUE 1: 2013 19

V90

49 0

5/03

/13

B

Members who switch their Home and Contents or Motor Insurance to Vero from 6th May to 31 July will receive a $100 Cash Card.

Vero Insurance is one of Australia’s largest intermediated general insurers supported by a strong history of helping Australians with their home and contents, motor and travel insurance needs.

Our experience and expertise gives us a greater understanding of the risks faced by individuals allowing us to deliver superior products and service.

Call 1800 809 614 or visit www.cpsucsa.org/vero and switch today.

Switch your Home and Contents or Motor Insurance

and get a $100 cash card.

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFS Licence No. 230859 trading as Vero Insurance. Vero Insurance is responsible for meeting all terms and conditions of the Insurance. Customers who obtain a quote from Vero between 6 May 2013 and 31 July 2013 will receive a $100 gift card upon payment of their premium. Quotes remain valid for 30 days from their date of issue. Offer not available on renewal of policy. All benefits are payable solely by Vero. All cover is subject to acceptance by Vero. Civil Service Insurance Agency Pty Limited ABN 35 008 949 693 AR Number 269513 is an authorised representative of Vero Insurance. You should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decision about whether to purchase these products. A PDS is available from www.cpsucsa.org/vero

1. Save Our Services: Mass Meeting @ PCEC March 6

2. Greening Perth Offices @ CSA Centre April 16

3. May Day in Fremantle May 5


20 THE JOURNAL

LEGAL Q&A

SIMPLE ABC'S OF A WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMIf you have an accident at work, you may be able to make a claim through the Workers’ Compensation scheme. You are entitled to make a claim if you sustain an injury in the course of your employment and are defined by law as a WA worker. Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be easy and straightforward as long as you take a few things into consideration.

A – ASK YOURSELFOne important question to ask yourself before deciding to file a

workers’ compensation claim is whether you have suffered physically or financially as a result of an injury sustained at work. This extends to any psychological or psychiatric injury as well.

B – BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU CAN CLAIM FORCompensation for time off

If you have a First Medical Certificate from a doctor stating you are unfit as a result of a work-related injury, you should be able to claim compensation for salary or wages that you would have otherwise been able to earn.

Medical expensesMedical, hospital, and rehabilitation expenses include medical

treatment, hospital treatment, ambulance services, and workplace rehabilitation services. This may also include certain travel expenses. Insurers are usually willing to cover an injured worker’s medical expenses provided that the treatment required is reasonable.

Lump sum paymentsA lump sum compensation can often be claimed in addition to

ongoing medical expense compensation payments or wage

compensation payments. In some cases, lump sum payments are awarded for physical as well as psychological/psychiatric impairment (or pain and suffering).

C – COMPENSATION LAWYERIf your claim is denied or disputed by your employer, the best

option would be for you to seek representation by a compensation lawyer in order to pursue your claim.

Even if your claim is not disputed, it is still recommended that you seek legal advice, as it is possible you could be entitled to a lump sum payment for your injury.

This is something that insurance companies are not always keen to share with you but, we will assist you to build and pursue your case, negotiate with insurers and maximising compensation.

1-2-3 STEP PROCESS1. Notify your employer and fill out a workers’ compensation

claim form as soon as possible after the injury. It is a requirement to lodge a compensation claim within 12 months of the injury although some claims can still be made after this time.

2. Seek medical advice urgently and obtain a First Medical Certificate. Serve it and the Claim Form on your employer. You will receive a reply from the insurer within 19 days, if the claim is denied or pending, contact UnionLink or Gibson & Gibson, lawyers for the CPSU/CSA, it’s members and families.

3. Don’t forget to obtain legal advice about your general entitlements. Your first 45 minute inquiry with us is free.

Frances Lyn, Compensation Lawyer, Gibson &Gibson

Professionals who deliver the help you need.Caring for Western Australians for over 105 years

When you need a lawyer you need to know you’re with lawyers who are genuinely interested - who are on your side.

Our aim is to give you professional advice,

practical guidance and the benefit of our

experience, without wasting time or money.

We can help you with:

• Family Law & De Facto Law

(Accredited Family Law Specialist)

• Personal Injury & Public Liability

• Workers Compensation

• Employment Law & Unfair Dismissal

• Commercial Law & Contracts

• Commercial Litigation

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Debt Recovery

• Property Law, Leases & Conveyancing

• Wills & probate

• Inheritance Disputes

• Registered Migration Agent No: 532689

• Sports Law

OFFICE

4th Floor | 190 St Georges Tce

Perth WA

[email protected]

www.gibson-gibson.com.au

FREE INITIAL 45-MIN CONSULTATION for Members

and immediate family

6313 6100CALL TODAY FOR

PERSONALISED SERVICE

Gibson-Gibson Ad [20082012].indd 1 27/05/13 2:29 PM

Got a question?We have the answers to over 650 frequently asked questions online.

www.cpsucsa.org/faq we make work life better

REMEMBERGive UnionLink a call to discuss your legal or Workers’ Compensation needs before contacting Gibson & Gibson. P: 1300 733 800 or email [email protected]


ISSUE 1: 2013 21

Professionals who deliver the help you need.Caring for Western Australians for over 105 years

When you need a lawyer you need to know you’re with lawyers who are genuinely interested - who are on your side.

Our aim is to give you professional advice,

practical guidance and the benefit of our

experience, without wasting time or money.

We can help you with:

• Family Law & De Facto Law

(Accredited Family Law Specialist)

• Personal Injury & Public Liability

• Workers Compensation

• Employment Law & Unfair Dismissal

• Commercial Law & Contracts

• Commercial Litigation

• Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Debt Recovery

• Property Law, Leases & Conveyancing

• Wills & probate

• Inheritance Disputes

• Registered Migration Agent No: 532689

• Sports Law

OFFICE

4th Floor | 190 St Georges Tce

Perth WA

[email protected]

www.gibson-gibson.com.au

FREE INITIAL 45-MIN CONSULTATION for Members

and immediate family

6313 6100CALL TODAY FOR

PERSONALISED SERVICE

Gibson-Gibson Ad [20082012].indd 1 27/05/13 2:29 PM

Got a question?We have the answers to over 650 frequently asked questions online.

www.cpsucsa.org/faq we make work life betterJRN-001 March v2.indd 21 28/05/13 2:51 PM

22 THE JOURNAL1300 650 214www.shoprite.com.au

SHOP RITE ALSO OFFERS:

Vehicle Purchasing Service - in the market for a new car? Our experienced vehicle consultants can find you a great deal on a new or used vehicle (Finance Assistance/Adviceavailable if required). Shop Rite Retail Partners - there are over 60 businesses providing discounts on a wide range of products and services to members. Groceries - Cash & Carry access in Balcatta & Canning Vale. Access to Rockingham Foods Factory Outlet. Friendlies Chemists - 15% discount* at Friendlies Chemists. *Conditions apply Entertainment Books - hundreds of valuable offers from restaurants, attractions and much more! Discounted Movie Tickets - up to 30% discount on movie ticket vouchers valid at Hoyts & Greater Union.

THE FREE DISCOUNT BUYING SERVICE EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THE FANTASTIC “DEAL OF THE DAY” OFFERS ON OUR WEBSITE

The CPSU/CSA brings you Shop Rite

Decide on the product you want to buy.

Call Shop Rite on 1300 650 214 with the: brand, model number and your best price. We’ll get you a great price.

You can choose to pick up your goods or have them delivered.

SAVE ON ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IT’S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3

MEMBER BENEFIT DIRECTORYAccommodation & TravelSTAFF PICK: Comfort Hotel PerthDiscounted rate for Members - $125/night for 2 people in a standard double room, including breakfast. Call 1800 888 678 and mention offer.

Government TravelLog on to www.government.travel and register to receive access to a range of benefits available only to Members.

RolfAirRolfAir scenic flights are offering Members an additional 10% off when booking online. Follow the special link in the Member Benefits section of the CPSU/CSA website.

Beauty & HairCharisma House of Beauty Present your Member ID to receive 15% off all services. Info: www.charismabeauty.com.au

STAFF PICK: Dream Skin & Body Spa Members receive 10% off treatments and $20 off a facial or massage. Bookings: 9301 2269

Light AestheticsMembers receive 20% off treatments and services. Bookings: 9398 5460

Cars & MotorDiscountNewCars.com.auFor savings and discounts visit: discountnewcars.com.au/Unions

Drive Skills Australia 40% off a one-day defensive driving course. To book email [email protected]

Computer & ElectricalPLE ComputersShow your Membership card and receive trade pricing on your next purchase. Visit ple.com.au

EntertainmentSTAFF PICK: Claremont BowlsHUGE 50% discount: For a total of $40 you get bowls hire and use of gas BBQ. Extras players at $6 per head. Call 9384 0395.

STAFF PICK: Hydrant on Hay Short walk from the CPSU/CSA offices. Get 15% off all restaurant prices when you show your membership card. Bookings recommended but not essential.

Kidz ParadiseBuy 1 get 1 free when you show your Membership card. Call: 9472 8655 Info: www.kidzparadise.com.au

Movie Tickets (through ShopRite)Call ShopRite to save 30% on movie tickets for Greater Union and Hoyts cinemas.

Peel ZooMembers receive 15% off admission fees. Visit online at www.peelzoo.com for opening hours and more information.

SmartClubMembers offered a 30% discount on annual SmartClub membership rate. Info: www.smartclub.com.au Contact: 9330 0784

Florists & GiftsBeans & BunchesMembers receive 10% off purchase price on any one arrangement or bouquet ordered. Call: 9227 6754

STAFF PICK: FunktionartMembers receive 20% on flowers delivered in Perth metro area, with free CBD delivery. Present card or quote Mem ID to claim. Call 9322 1799 to order.

Petals Floral Network Members receive a 20% discount on the flower value of your order. Access through MB page www.cpsucsa.org/benefits to redeem discount.

Food & WineAmazing WaterMembers save over 55% on floor standing hot and cold filtered water cooler. Regular price $585 - Members pay just $249. Quote CPSU and call 1800 505 380 to order.

Botanica LiquorbarnPresent Member ID to receive corporate rate regardless of the purchase amount. Visit: www.botanicaliquorbarn.com.au

STAFF PICK: Dinner TwistHuge 50% off first delivery for members. They plan, they buy, they deliver, you cook. Info: dinnertwist.com.au

Pancakes at CarillionPresent your Mem ID to receive 15% off your total bill. Info: pancakesatcarillion.com.au

Red TurbanPresent your Mem card to receive 15% off your total bill. Info: redturbanrestaurant.com.au

STAFF PICK: Taste Bud ToursGet 20% off Speed Grazing tour in the Swan Valley. Bookings essential: 0412 244 201 Info: tastebudtours.com.au

Viet CoffeeVisit www.viet-coffee.com.au and get up to 30% off recommended retail online. Use code ‘CPSUCSA’ at checkout to get another 10% off.

Health & FitnessCBD Health SpaMembers offered $650 for 12 months (normally $795) OR $14.50 a week (normally $18 plus $149 joining fee). Both offers include personal training for 2 Months valued at $208.

Elite Massage Get $15 off all professional mobile massage services. Contact at: [email protected] for more info or call 0405 140 561.

Jetts FitnessMembers are offered half price joining fee of $49 (normally $99) and the corporate rate of $17.95 (normally $21.95) per fortnight. Visit www.jetts.com.au

Mt Lawley Out of Hours NaturopathFirst consultation is free, plus future visits receive a 10% discount. Call 9271 9458.

STAFF PICK: RockfacePresent Mem ID to get 75% discount on your visit including $10 harness hire. Call 9328 5998 or visit www.rockface.com.au

STAFF PICK: St John Ambulance coursesMembers get 10% discount on selected courses. Call 9334 1233 with you Membership ID for more information.

STAFF PICK: Universal Health NetworkMembers offered 2 x free bootcamps and 1 x 30% off massage. For more information call 1800 810 UHN (846).

YMCA Victoria AveMembers receive 50% off Quick Start joining fee and 25% Results Based joining fee. Call 9225 5925 for more information.

YogapassMembers receive 15 - 25% off classes. Visit the CPSU/CSA Member Benefits page online and follow the links.

Housing SuppliesSTAFF PICK: Complete Enviro SolutionsJoeycans: As seen on ABC’s The Inventors - Members’ only price of $20. Plus up to 20% off on a range of other products. completeenvirosolutions.com.au

Encap CleaningReceive a 10% discount on all services. Specialised cleaning of carpet and upholstery. Call 9440 6184 or visit: www.encapcleaning.com.au

HousespectMembers receive a 10% discount on all services by quoting Mem ID upon booking. Call 9383 1043.

New LawnsPresent Mem ID to receive 12.5% off. For more info contact [email protected]

STAFF PICK: Pots and MoreGet $30 off orders over $80 (38%).Five locations across Perth metro + Mandurah - visit a store with ID. Info: www.potsandmore.net.au

Waste Not Wood NotGet 20% off all products. Great for open fires, pizza ovens or to take camping. Contact 0421 897 680 for info and quote ID to purchase.

ShoppingHarbour TownPresent your CPSU/CSA Union Membership card at the Customer Service Lounge to receive a complimentary VIP card valid at over 40 stores at Harbour Town.

Retravision (Hay St store)Present Member ID and you will be given a special Cost Plus 5% price. This Member offer is exclusive to Retravision's Hay Street store.

For more great Benefits: www.cpsucsa.org/benefitsSee website for T&C’s. Benefits are

correct at time of print.


ISSUE 1: 2013 231300 650 214www.shoprite.com.au

SHOP RITE ALSO OFFERS:

Vehicle Purchasing Service - in the market for a new car? Our experienced vehicle consultants can find you a great deal on a new or used vehicle (Finance Assistance/Adviceavailable if required). Shop Rite Retail Partners - there are over 60 businesses providing discounts on a wide range of products and services to members. Groceries - Cash & Carry access in Balcatta & Canning Vale. Access to Rockingham Foods Factory Outlet. Friendlies Chemists - 15% discount* at Friendlies Chemists. *Conditions apply Entertainment Books - hundreds of valuable offers from restaurants, attractions and much more! Discounted Movie Tickets - up to 30% discount on movie ticket vouchers valid at Hoyts & Greater Union.

THE FREE DISCOUNT BUYING SERVICE EXCLUSIVE TO MEMBERS

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT THE FANTASTIC “DEAL OF THE DAY” OFFERS ON OUR WEBSITE

The CPSU/CSA brings you Shop Rite

Decide on the product you want to buy.

Call Shop Rite on 1300 650 214 with the: brand, model number and your best price. We’ll get you a great price.

You can choose to pick up your goods or have them delivered.

SAVE ON ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IT’S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3


24 THE JOURNAL

IS COMING

CPSUCSA.ORG/GA6

Get involved to make your work life better.


the journal - march 2013

Documents

new vehicle

new car purchase

current fleet network

sourcing salary

fl yer

initial contract

sourcing quick

easy finance approvals