Taronga Zoo staff walk out

Date: 05 March 2003

Public Service Association Members employed at Taronga Zoo in Sydney have walked off the job in protest at management's refusal to negotiate a new agreement in relation to injured workers and medical retirement.

Public Service Association Members employed at Taronga Zoo in Sydney have walked off the job in protest at management's refusal to negotiate a new agreement in relation to injured workers and medical retirement. The decision to take industrial action follows a recent decision by management to medically retire a long serving (12 years) staff member.

There is also widespread concern at the large number of Keeping and Horticultural Staff that are carrying injuries picked up at the Zoo.

"In December last year we had 20 out of 90 keepers on workers compensation or light duties. There is a huge proportion of the workforce that face being kicked onto the scrapheap", stated Stewart Little, PSA Industrial Officer.

"Members are rightly outraged at this sort of treatment being handed out to a fellow workmate who has ruined her shoulder on the job after 12 years of loyal dedicated service. This young woman will never be able to physically lift a young child or work in her trade again. You would think an organization like the Zoo would look after their own," Little continued.

The PSA have been seeking the introduction of a policy that would place an emphasis on redeployment into the wider Public Sector. This type of policy is in place at numerous public sector agencies. So far the Zoo is only attempting to place injured workers into alternate employment within the Zoo, which is severely impeding the likelihood of redeployment.

The effect on the Community will be minimal as the Zoo will remain open to the Public. Members of the public should also note that animal welfare measures have been put into place by members.

For further information

Contact:	Stewart Little, Industrial Officer
Union:	Public Service Association of NSW
Phone:	9220 0928
Contact Mobile:	0418 610 792
Email:	slittle@psa.asn.au
WWW:	http://psa.labor.net.au/

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