Campaign UpDate

You Speak We Listen

Dear PSA Member

YOU SPEAK WE LISTEN

Thank-you for your overwhelming response to our email sent last Friday.

We have been surprised at the broad range of issues that members have raised, from the role of the union in the fight against climate change to local concerns about staffing and everything in between. If you have not yet heard back from us directly, we will be in contact in the next day or so, as we are preparing a detailed response to each query and question.

It is clear that many members care deeply about our union, but also share our unease about the direction that PSA has been heading. During the last few days we have also had the opportunity to meet directly with members at the following worksites: -

31 Flinders Street State Administration Centre
Roma Mitchell House Noarlunga House
77 Grenfell Street 91 Grenfell Street
100 Wakefield Street 1 Richmond Road
Netley Riverside Centre
45 Pirie Street

As we have moved around these worksites, a few common themes have emerged. These themes are best described by the following stories: -

Danielle told us about how she constantly takes work home and how this affects things at home. She often has to choose between finishing her files and helping with homework. Homework doesn’t always win.

Ngoc has been doing the work of an ASO4 for 2 years, whilst his supervisor has been acting in a higher position. He is still only paid as an ASO3, because his manager says there is no money in the budget.

Brian is an ASO5, and has been in the same job for 21 years. Because he is on the top increment, the only increases he gets are the annual pay rises. As the price of petrol goes through the roof, last year’s pay rise doesn’t even cover the increase in getting to work.

What all these members have in common is that when they have turned to the union they were given the brush-off. Instead of being encouraged to work with other members (and recruit new ones) around these issues, they were told nothing could be done. This is simply not good enough.

We at PSA Independent Voice believe that now is the time to start building the foundations for a strong union. A union that will support members who want to say no to unfair workloads, have a go on classification levels or build a campaign around a decent pay rise.
In our view, these concerns underline the need for the union to be focussed on members’ interests and have Organisers on the ground.


PORT AUGUSTA VISIT

PSA Independent Voice candidates will be catching up with members in Port Augusta on 17 May 2006.

In response to a request from PSA members, a series of meetings will be held throughout worksites in Port Augusta to allow us to listen to your concerns and talk about our action plan to make the union more responsive to members’ needs. If you have not yet received a separate email advising you of this visit, please contact us.

If you require more information about PSA Independent Voice please contact us on independent-voice@aapt.net.au or call 0414 411 526.

For how to vote PSA Independent Voice please click here http://psa-independent-voice.blogspot.com/2006/05/how-to-vote-psa-independen_114774885318260325.html

Yours in unity
Marie Boland James Mc Comb Graham Warren John Kirkham
Candidates For PSA Branch Council