Compulsory Fitness and Medical Testing

DSE have notified CPSU of a proposal to introduce compulsory fitness and/or medical testing for all staff who perform a fire/emergency role in time for the 2008/09 fire season.  Under our Victorian Public Service Agreement 2006, fitness and medical testing are voluntary, and those who participate are entitled to a higher stand-by allowance.

DSE’s own briefing paper on the matter states the following:

  “Within the Department a discrepancy in the two EBAs exists whereby participation in the program is mandatory for Field Service Staff, and voluntary for Victoria Public Service (VPS) staff.”

CPSU has therefore argued strongly that mandatory fitness & medical testing cannot be introduced at this time.

CPSU understands, however, that the Department wants to introduce sound OH&S practices for fire fighting and CPSU has offered to discuss this matter in the appropriate forum at the upcoming VPSA09 negotiations.

In response, the Department has put on hold it’s original position, and as such testing will not be compulsory this fire season.

But to CPSU's disappointment, DSE are now suggesting that those who have undertaken such testing will be given rostering priority for fire work.

The union rejects this, and sees this decision causing discontent within its professional workforce and as an unnecessarily provocative action.

CPSU encourages any DSE staff member who is disadvantaged by this type of approach to the rostering system to contact the union with a view to lodging an immediate grievance.

Please contact CPSU Organiser Matthew Price on 03 9639 1822 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or John Crane at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please distribute this bulletin and ask your colleagues to join CPSU to receive protection under this authority.

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/Work-Can-Change-membership-flyer.pdf
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/memform.pdf


 - VPSA'09 is Coming!

Click here to view/print some Notes and a Claim Work Sheet to assist;

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/VPSA09-Background-Notes.pdf
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/VPSA09-BN-member-claim-worksheet.pdf

Our 7 day a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year industrial protection ensures you have the principal public sector organisation looking after your working rights, winning wage increases, protecting your conditions, and providing personal industrial assistance when you need it.


CPSU MEMBERSHIP IS PROTECTION FOR YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET.

YOUR JOB.

Speak to a colleague today about the benefits of CPSU membership and have them contribute to our successes rather than just enjoying the benefits.


VPS - AGREEMENT - 2009 is coming !!!!!!!!!!!

To view the movie trailer click here;
http://www.cpsuvic.org/static-pages/vpsa09.html


TOGETHER WE DO BETTER!


KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary

Thursday 25 September 2008