Border Force Seaforth Update

Staff meeting on restructuring

The recent restructure meeting between staff and management in February was productive as members aired their concerns particularly around the proposed roster regarding the time to recover from night shifts.

Members were, not unusually, split on the new roster however the concerns about those with issues with it were responded to. Those who asked why the current screening site roster couldn’t be used, which was preferred by some staff, were given the response that the screening site roster had a lower utilisation rate and therefore as the new roles had higher utilisation, the 5 long runs of 12 hour shifts on that screening site roster would not be suitable for the changes to the new roles of staff as it would have more impact on health and work life balance.

Members are advised that the roster will be monitored, reviewed and changed if necessary therefore feedback is important and necessary with any issues arising initially going through their line manager when the new roster starts.

Any members who require a night worker assessment can request this through their line manager and an OHS referral done if required. Depending on the outcome of any OHS undertaken, members are advised to contact the branch to request individual assistance or representation if the outcome may require considering alternative options to their new role.

The risk/quality impact assessments of the changes will now be fully completed, as the roster is now known, and shared prior to any implementation.

Any issues raised by staff that haven’t been responded to yet by management, or further suggestions for the restructure can be sent to our branch inbox to be put on the agenda for us to raise at the next meeting (date to be agreed). Details will be published on the branch website for requesting any items for inclusion on the agenda for that meeting.