Was it something I Said?
On Thursday of last week your CANZ National Officers and National Organiser met to finalize preparations for two very important meetings that had been scheduled to occur the following day. The first meeting was to have been with PPS management representatives and the major purpose of the meeting was to attempt resolution of outstanding issues such as higher duties payment, PCO shift leave and alleged breaches of the “unplanned absences” policy.

You will recall that all three issues were raised in mediation some time ago and PPS requested a final opportunity to resolve these matters without having to resort to the Employment Relations Authority. The second meeting was to have taken place with Departmental CEO Mark Byers and the main topic of discussion was to have been the future direction of CIE. This is, of course, a major issue for current CIE employees as Departmental practice doesn’t appear to align with stated policy in terms of the provision of meaningful inmate training.

Unfortunately we were informed on Friday morning that the CEO was prepared to meet with CANZ elected representatives (National Officers) but was not prepared to meet with me! This raises a significant issue for our organisation, as we have never refused to meet with Departmental representatives (even though we often believe that those who are selected are not always the best placed people to address our concerns). Accordingly, we expect to be afforded the same common courtesy.

The CANZ National Officers have written to Mr. Byers suggesting that he reconsiders his position (which would appear to constitute a breach of the “good faith” requirements of the Employment Relations Act) and re-enters discussions. In the meantime, however, they have responded in kind and withdrawn from proposed discussions with PPS.

This means that we are now filing on all of the above issues with the Employment Relations Authority. It is also our intention to file on the basis of our contention that the Department’s CEO is in breach of the “good faith” provisions of the Employment Relations Act. In the event that Mr. Byers is not prepared to reconsider, we will raise the issues of contention during or scheduled meeting with the Minister of Corrections on 23 June.

CANZ reiterates its preference to deal with any issues of contention via consultation and meaningful discussion, but we will not be dictated to by those who appear to believe that they have reached the dizzy heights and no longer feel a need to participate in such processes. We do, after all, have a common interest (a productive future for CIE) and it stands to reason that we have more chance of achieving this via a cooperative approach than via a continuation of what currently appears to be a severe case of petulant posturing.

We will keep you informed of progress.

Regards,

Brian Davies
National Organiser
CANZ