Promising statement in Corrective Services case

By Richard Walsham

The Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) has made an important statement in the case for additional work value increases in the salaries of the 31 senior correctional education officers (SCEOs) of the Department of Corrective Services.

On November 15, the IRC made a statement essentially indicating that Federation's case had been made and that: "... a greater percentage adjustment is required for SCEOs than CEOs and teachers based on work value grounds." Federation and the Department have been directed to confer, try to reach agreement and report back to the Commission by November 29 on the matter of the amount of increase that should be paid.

These senior correctional education officers are the local heads of campus in the Department's Adult Education and Vocational Training Institute (AEVTI) facilities for inmates in the state's correctional centres.

The Commission heard evidence in the case over three days from November 1.

Federation workplace witnesses -- Helen Morgan (Cessnock), Brenda Hangilias (Goulburn) and Deborah Harris (Mannus Correctional Centre) were cross examined by the Department's barrister, Stan Benson. Peter De Graaff (Federation Post Schools Organiser) also took the stand.

All the Federation's witnesses presented solid evidence which backed up the arguments put by Federation's barrister, Steve Crawshaw who had assistance from Mark Gibian.

Earlier, the Federation had sought to resolve the matter by negotiation, prior to the hearing of the case. However, it is understood the economic rationalist zealots who inhabit the NSW Treasury stood in the way of a resolution being reached.

Richard Walsham is an Industrial Officer.

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