Notwithstanding the procedures detailed below, the Vice-Chancellor may authorise an alternate process for managing this employment condition, which will be consistent with the policy applying to this condition, to suit individual circumstances.
1. Preliminary Consideration of Change
1.1 Informal discussions or consideration of issues may occur, which may lead to workplace change prior to the development of a specific change proposal.
1.2 When informal discussions lead to the development of a specific change such discussions should involve all staff likely to be directly affected as soon as practicable. A staff member will be considered to be directly affected when the proposed change is likely to have an impact on that staff member’s work practices or working conditions.
1.3 Where staff members agree with the proposed change the University will notify the members of the USCC-SC of the proposed change.
1.4 If, following notification to the USCC-SC, the University is advised by affected staff or a staff representative that those staff members affected by the proposal do not agree with the proposed change, then the formal change process will commence.
2. Formal Change Process
2.1 These provisions will apply where a specific change proposal is made which is likely to lead to one or more of the following:
a. relocation of a work area;
b. elimination of positions;
c. a change to hours of operation;
d. introduction of significant technological change; or
e. a significant change to work practices or impact on conditions, including change that would be likely to lead to changed responsibility levels.
2.2 Where there is a specific change proposal, the University will issue documentation setting out the change to directly affected staff and the members of the USCC-SC. The documentation will include, where appropriate:
a. the extent and nature of the change proposal,
b. reasons for making the change;
c. the aim of the change;
d. timeframe for change; and
e. any relevant financial information.
3. Consultation
3.1 Where the change potentially affects only an individual staff member, or two or three staff, individual consultation will include the provision of relevant information and the opportunity to discuss the proposal. Affected staff members may include a staff representative in their discussions.
3.2 Staff members as groups and, where they choose, their staff representatives, will be consulted in relation to the specific change proposal.
3.3 Consultation will include:
a. circulation of specific proposals for consideration;
b. an opportunity for written responses, including alternatives, from affected staff and their representatives (if nominated);
c. meetings to discuss and examine the change proposal and alternatives; and
d. provision of relevant information related to the proposed change and its implementation.
4. Implementation
Where change is to be implemented, affected staff will be involved in individual discussions about the implications of the change for them, including strategies for assisting them to achieve positive outcomes. |
