Concerns raised by Staff Association members around proposed changes to CSIRO travel policies has resulted in a revised offering from senior managers, acknowledging key health and safety issues.
The original proposal to update CSIRO’s Accommodation, Travel and Bookings policy procedures led some affected employees – particularly those based in remote localities and staff who perform regular fieldwork – to raise health and safety concerns with local delegates and independent Health and Safety Representatives.
CSIRO staff advised any policy changes needed to deliver:
Staff Association representatives relayed these concerns to senior CSIRO managers in late January.
Following that meeting, CSIRO conceded that some exceptions should apply and that increased flexibility needed to be included in the updated policies to safeguard staff health and safety arrangements.
Improvements won include:
Genuine consultation – with directly affected employees and prior to final decision making – leads to the improved implementation of policy and can help mitigate the risks of health and safety hazards.
CSIRO staff deserve to be consulted and treated with respect. Improving employee engagement and staff consultation processes will be a key aim for the Staff Association during this year’s enterprise agreement negotiations.
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