KEEPING MEMBERS INFORMED IN CHALLENGING TIMES With strong direction from the PSA leadership team, we have found new ways to make sure PSA members are being protected. Like all of you in your own workplaces, at the PSA office we have adapted to a new way of working. Despite these changes to our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought PSA members together in union stronger than ever before. When we think union we often think of meetings, rallies, and other physical displays where we come together. COVID-19 put a stop to all of these. The public health requirement to physically distance was taken on board and we are all doing our bit to halt the pandemic. PSA General Secretary Nev Kitchin identified the potential for a COVID-19 shutdown early and put contingency plans in place very quickly as a result. PSA staff
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quickly adapted to working in ways that would keep our members safe from the spread of COVID-19. By the end of March we had shifted all meetings to phone or video calls where possible, and were using creative actions and strategies where we would previously have come together in person. We have used this opportunity to provide our training online and create new professional development and training sessions, all run remotely. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon us the largest work, health and safety (WHS) issue ever presented to our union. PSA staff worked with members to make sure all workers were safe. We met regularly with Health and other public sector agency management to advocate for workplace safety for our members. Members campaigned to protect vulnerable workers, for access to PPE, to initiate safe distances in the workplace, flexible work arrangements, to work from home, and against unreasonable management decisions.
Public Sector Review Magazine | JUNE 2020
Although not always easy, we worked together and achieved some great outcomes. For many members, COVID-19 revitalised a passion for WHS, and reminded many people why our WHS and structures are imperative and workers need to be active and involved.
Representatives “ Worksite have been at the forefront, demonstrating great leadership in keeping PSA members strong on the ground
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Secure jobs This crisis exposed casualisation and job insecurity for what they are — unfair and unjust working conditions that leave the most vulnerable workers exposed. The price of the erosion of protections and conditions, like job security, has been laid bare.
