STAND ALONE - THE CHALLENGE CONTINUES!

CANZ's efforts to resolve membership concerns regarding the "Stand Alone Night Watch" proposal moved on yesterday in what was, by and large, a constructive and cooperative mediation session. I say "by and large" because, as usual, we had to tolerate some last minute grandstanding on the issue of consultation by a National PPS management member who really should know better, but clearly doesn't.

However, in the interests of progress we turned a deaf ear to the contribution of the less cooperative elements within PPS and reached a mutually acceptable agreement regarding the way forward. The main points of the mediated agreement are as follows:

1. The matter will proceed to the Authority for resolution in late January.
2. CANZ's submissions regarding the "Stand Alone" plan will be based solely on Health and Safety concerns arising from the proposal.
3. The "status quo" will continue until such time as the Employment Relations Authority has completed its formal hearing.
4. No rosters will be posted prior to the Authority hearing.

Given the past acrimony surrounding the clearly different stances taken by CANZ and PPS (with the apparent agreement of other Unions) on this matter, it is heartening to be able to move forward in a constructive and cooperative manner. CANZ continues to assure its members that we will explore every avenue available to us in our efforts to challenge what is, in our opinion, a significant Health & Safety issue.

We will, as always, continue to update you regarding any new developments.

Regards,
Brian Davies
National Organiser