AP838502 - Post Fulfilment Online Consent Award 2004

PART 3 - COMMUNICATION, CONSULTATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION 

9. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

9.1 In the case of any employee grievance the following procedures will apply:

9.1.1 in the first instance, the matter shall, wherever possible, be discussed by the aggrieved employee and the manager at the facility concerned with the joint intent of achieving a satisfactory outcome;

9.1.2 if the matter remains unresolved, it may be referred to a union representative or other employee nominated representative and an appropriate representative of PFO, who will attempt to assist in resolving the issue;

9.1.3 should the issue still remain unresolved, an appropriate official from the union or other nominated employee representative and the representative of PFO will then become involved (this may involve senior union officials and management meeting as required, to resolve any dispute);

9.1.4 if the matter still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the AIRC by either party for conciliation and, if that is unsuccessful, arbitration; and

9.1.5 until the matter is finally determined, all work shall continue in accordance with the practices existing prior to the matter in dispute arising, or other agreed arrangements. No party shall be prejudiced, as to the final settlement, by the continuance or deferment of the work in accordance with this clause.

9.2 The above provision is subject to PFO’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment.

9.3 Grievance procedure training leave

9.3.1 Subject to the following conditions, elected union delegate(s), appointed union representative(s) or employee representative(s) shall be granted leave with pay to attend grievance procedure training which is conducted by an accredited training provider and approved by the union:

9.3.1(a) no more than five paid shifts shall be granted in any facility in any calendar year (any additional shifts shall be unpaid); and

9.3.1(b) untaken paid leave shall not accrue from year to year or be transferred from one facility to another.

9.3.2 Applications to attend courses shall be in writing and shall include details of the type and content of the course to be attended and the dates upon which the course is to be conducted. Applications shall be made not less than one calendar month before the intended course, or such lesser period as may be agreed between PFO and the employee concerned.

9.3.3 Once received, applications shall be granted by PFO on the dates notified by the union, subject to PFO’s ability to maintain normal facility operating requirements.

9.3.4 Except in the case of a new facility opening, only employees who have completed six months continuous service with PFO shall be eligible for the leave pursuant to this clause.

9.3.5 At each facility the maximum number of employees attending a course at the same time shall be two, unless PFO agrees more may attend.

9.3.6 Leave granted pursuant to this clause shall count as service for all purposes of this award.

9.3.7 Any employee on paid leave in accordance with this clause shall receive payment in accordance with the roster they would have worked for the period of absence.

9.3.8 PFO shall not be required to pay any other costs associated with such leave.

9.3.9 On completion of the course the employee shall, in order to be paid, provide proof satisfactory to PFO of their attendance at the course and, upon request, inform PFO of the nature of the course and their observations of it.