Verbal updates from Branch Representatives to February State Council
Wednesday 13 Mar 2019Acacia
No delegate present.
Academy
No delegate present.
Albany
- High levels of VSO vacancies causing staffing problems
- Relationship with management is positive
Bandyup
- Three Superintendents in past four weeks
- Two active disputes regarding breaches of Standing Order E6, both look headed to Stage 2
- One active dispute regarding the targeting of an elected representative, escalated to Stage 2
- Discussion took place regarding recent high profile incidents at BWP and the subsequent responses from the Department
- Nil engagement with local Branch from BWP management regarding reintroduction of overtime restrictions
Boronia
No delegate present.
Broome
- Ongoing infrastructure works involving asbestos causing safety concerns
- Meetings with the contractors have been requested
- Nil engagement with local Branch from Broome management regarding reintroduction of overtime restrictions
- Access to single day annual leave an ongoing issue
- Staffing issues are being resolved
Bunbury
- Building works ongoing
- Concerns raised regarding vehicle movements during prisoner recreation
- Staffing level agreement discussions ongoing
- Two Bunbury specific ELTPs starting in May (one in Bunbury, one at Academy)
- Discussion took place regarding local urinalysis policy and its impact on resources
- Potential for changes to shift start times and meal breaks
- Nil engagement with local Branch from Bunbury management regarding reintroduction of overtime restrictions
- Two active disputes regarding breaches of Standing Order E6, with both at Stage 2
Casuarina
- Staffing level agreement discussions for new units ongoing
- High levels of absences due to worker’s compensation causing staffing issues
- Potential changes to leave roster being discussed at a Branch level
DDU
- Report provided regarding the recent incident involving the attack dog
- Recent personnel changes discussed
- DDU course scheduled for September 2019
- Discussion around proposal from management to add the drug and alcohol testing of staff to the JDFs of DDU Officers
Eastern Goldfields
- Members still awaiting outcome of attraction and retention discussions
- Staffing level agreement discussions for unit 5 commencing
- Discussion around Standing Order E6 breaches with management asking staff to perform dual roles
- No LCC was held in February
Greenough
No delegate present.
Hakea
- Relationship with new Superintendent strained largely due to his unwillingness to consult
- Elected representatives are constantly being challenged, questioned and threatened while carrying out their functions, with the issue being the subject of an ongoing stage 2 dispute
- Staffing level agreement discussions being held up by the Superintendent
- Recent flu outbreak causing muster pressure
- Approximately ten hazard notices lodged recently, many in relation to prisoner restraint equipment and chemical agent
Karnet
- Staffing level agreement discussions delayed
- Single Officer escorts an on-going issue
- Water testing came back clear. Delegates hopeful of process changes to ensure consistency of water quality testing and accountability
- Duress alarms in remote areas of the farm now the subject of a WorkSafe investigation and recommendation. Issue also raised at PCC
Melaleuca
No delegate present.
Pardelup
- A couple of VSO vacancies causing issues
- Relationship with current management is positive
Roebourne
- Staffing shortages due to secondments, worker’s compensation and purchased leave causing issues
- Ongoing issues with adherence to Standing Order E6
- Recent hot weather has seen a spike in incidents
- Non-compliant prisoners in transit being returned to prison causing issues
SOG
No delegate present.
Wandoo
- Gatehouse handover imminent
- No agreement reached on Staffing Level Agreement with the Master Control Room the area of disagreement
- The new structured day has issues
- Management are failing to consult appropriately
West Kimberley
- Commissioner visited recently
- Security concerns with cottages currently being addressed
- Night checks are now being conducted in an enclosed vehicle
- Trial of climate appropriate uniforms about to commence
Wooroloo
- Staffing level agreement awaiting sign-off
- Kitchen upgrade due to be completed by end of March
- Muster currently down due to recent flu outbreak
- Discussions to commence on replacement Standing Order E6
Work Camps
No delegate present.