Since the introduction of the new Corrections Officers’ Career Structure in 1998, there have been significant changes to the way in which the job is being done. Technology has evolved and systems and procedures have developed to reflect this fact. The result is that the size of the job and the associated responsibilities at all levels has increased significantly.

One of the major gripes of CANZ members in the workplace today is that the current salary scale doesn’t accurately reflect the size of the job or the different levels of responsibility associated with each position (CO/SCO/PCO). Whilst PPS wouldn’t necessarily agree with that view, they do agree that it would be appropriate to carry out a “job-sizing” exercise prior to the start of the rapidly approaching COA negotiations.

Accordingly, it has been agreed that CANZ and PPS will set up a joint project team to review the current job descriptions to establish;

a) Whether they accurately reflect the current size and scope of the different positions, and
b) Make appropriate recommendations for change in the event that it is warranted.

There will be three different work streams to look at the three positions (CO/SCO/PCO) and the project teams will meet in Wellington next week. CANZ will be represented by a cross-section of members from each of the different levels in an appropriate manner (e.g. only PCOs will participate in the PCO project team) and they will be supported by a National Organiser.

Obviously, any recommended changes will be run past a National support team for a reality check before they receive formal support from CANZ. Accordingly, it is important that each CANZ sub-group identifies one representative from each level of the career structure (CO/SCO/PCO) and forward their names to Barry Noakes as soon as possible. As information becomes available, we will then forward it to the identified representatives for comment.

As usual, there is no guarantee that such an exercise will produce results, but it is good to know that PPS acknowledges that job descriptions and associated sizings are overdue for review. As always, we will keep you posted.

Regards,

Brian Davies
National Organiser