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Results Expected on Temporary Employment Discussions

The most recent discussions with the Office of the State Service Commissioner indicate that some gains may be achieved as early as the end of this Month. The Department of Health and Human Services is set to support conversions for some members who had been previously unable to gain permanency. However this process has encountered some problems.

The initial stage of this process will affect a small "sample group" of members. This group will be put forward to the State Service Commissioner over the coming week seeking approval to convert to permanency. Whilst this is a small group they represent a larger section of members who had been previously unable to gain conversion to permanency. Should the rationale put forward be acceptable to the Commissioner, then it is anticipated that the process be opened up to all other employees who fall into this category.

Discussions are continuing with the Office of State Service Commissioner and the Department on processes that will address job security issues for all members whom have a claim for permanency.

HACSU is keen to ensure that the long standing problems with temporary employment are sorted out once and for all. The Department of Health and Human Services has a responsibility to ensure that this occurs.

HACSU has encountered a number of problems throughout this process which we have asked the Department to address as a matter of urgency. These issues are:

• That the Department consider requests made by HACSU members for a guarantee in writing of "ongoing employment". HACSU is aware that members require job security while the current discussions on conversion occur for these members. This is particularly the case in Disability Services and Mental Health where there are major restructures underway; and,

• That the Department provide advice to HACSU members and Department Managers on the nature of discussions with the Office of the State Service Commissioner. This is of particular importance in order that the current cooperative and constructive climate around the discussions is not derailed simply because Departmental Managers are not fully aware of what is happening.