Thursday, May 31, 2012

DEC's $13 an hour job

One of the major issues with the Assisted School Travel Program has long been the amount of pay given to Travel Support Officers who escort students on vehicles to school and back everyday. In 2012, this amount of pay has risen to $13, much less than the officer would get paid working in a similar job somewhere else.

One Carenne Travel Support Officer has decided to speak out about the appalling conditions she faces everyday for miniscule pay and the lack of support she has received from the department and others.

The TSO says that on a daily basis she has to deal with students biting, hitting and kicking her as well as keep an eye on those with behavioural needs. She helps students get on and off the bus and ensures that they are correctly seated and restrained. She says that School Learning Support Officers are being paid in excess of $25 per hour for a similar job while she is being 'robbed' at $13 per hour.

'The department can't justify paying someone $13 an hour. It's not right. It has to be against the law', said the TSO.

The TSO claims to have approached the department which told her if she didn't like the pay offered she was free to leave and to have contacted the Assisted School Travel Contractors Association who told her they were not interested in helping TSOs when there are so many contractors who are being short changed by the department.

The TSO is now asking for anyone who believes that it is unfair to work as a TSO for $13 per hour to contact local member Paul Toole and show their support. He can be contacted by email paul.toole@parliament.nsw.gov.au or telephone (02) 6332 1300.

11 comments:

Association Member said...

As far as I am aware the Assisted School Travel Contractors Association has not been contacted from TSO’s working in this area but we are most certainly interested in helping if we can. We believe their below award wage is, and has always been unjust. While it is true that contractors have a number of issues yet to be resolved, the plight of TSO’s has always been on our agenda. We will show our support by emailing Paul Toole and leave with him our contact details. It is our understanding that these low rates are currently being addressed but we are unsure when they will implemented.

Guest said...

Mr O'Farrell and his front bench ministers will be conducting a forum in Bathurst on Monday 4.6.2012 at The Suites on the First Floor of Pit Lane at Mt Panorama between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM.The forum will be open to the public to participant in.People will have to Register to ask Question.Contact the Department of Premier and Cabient on 02-9228-4833 to register.Report your concerns about Carenne Public School bathurst.

jelly said...

only been in the job how long and already causing trouble. did mr big rat lawyer tell you you should get more? you might be without a job if they have to pay more oh boo hoo!

jelly said...

fuck off rat

jelly said...

ill report my concerns about the rat behind this blog

Guest said...

piss off nutter

Mister Magoo said...

Have the drugs or the alcohol gone to your head?

Liberty Rowan said...

Foul mouth - foul mind, and such LIMITED intelligence and intellect it is scary!

Guest said...

And around our special children.

Alcatraz said...

mr auld promises to pay kids for work at his place and never does

Guest said...

disgusting