CONTACT US: the msc

QPSU members in Communities
The Membership Services Centre (MSC) provides advice and representation on individual industrial matters to members of the QPSU.

Every MSC industrial officer has the capacity to provide any eligible member detailed advice on both general work entitlements and individual grievances.

Where further assistance or representation is needed the member will be required to complete a request for representation form. This process ensures the highest quality of ongoing assistance and representation is provided to the member.

Following the lodging of this request, an MSC industrial officer will contact the member within four working days to further assist. If a matter is urgent, or a specific meeting date or deadline is approaching, please mark it as urgent and every effort will be made to assign it to an industrial officer as quickly as possible.

Industrial issues

The MSC specialises in grievances, show causes and tribunal submissions. Industrial issues with which the MSC can provide representation include:

Much of the work of the MSC is done over the phone, via email or in writing. Industrial officers provide advice and support to members to enable them to resolve their own workplace issues where possible. Ordinarily, an industrial officer would not attend routine work meetings or interim reviews in performance improvement processes. A workplace delegate may assist by attending these meeting with you.

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External Tribunals

MSC industrial officers may appear on behalf of members in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission, Fair Treatment and Disciplinary Appeals before the Appeal Tribunal of the Office of the Public Service Commissioner, Medical Assessment Tribunals and conciliation conferences in the Anti-Discrimination Commission of Queensland.

Appearance by an industrial offi cer in any of these tribunals where the member is the complainant or appellant requires the prior approval of the Manager, MSC. In determining whether or not to grant such approval, the Manager will consider such factors as the outcomes which may realistically be achieved for the member/s; the industrial interests of affected members; and the resources required to pursue the matter.

Resolution of a matter

Once an industrial officer is assigned to a matter, they will, where possible, see the matter through to its final resolution.

At all times, the industrial officer will provide confidential advice on the prospects of successful resolution. In some limited circumstances, the union may be unable to provide further representation on a matter. If this situation arises, the industrial officer will advise the member of alternative options.

Legal advice

MSC industrial officers provide quality industrial advice about workplace related issues. They do not provide legal advice. Union members can access free or discounted legal advice from some preferred providers, CLICK HERE to find out more. Members may also be eligible for Union assistance in accessing further legal assistance, CLICK HERE

Conflicts of interest

All QPSU members, irrespective of which employer they work for, what work they do or where they are across the state, are entitled to fair and equal representation from the MSC. Occasionally, our union is called upon to represent members who are seeking a resolution to a matter which may be different to the resolution sought by other members involved in the matter.

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In this circumstance, different industrial staff will provide advice and representation to the different members involved, and respect each member's confidentiality.

Pre-existing issues

New members who are experiencing issues in their workplace which pre-date their union membership, or whose membership had lapsed at the time the issue arose, will not be eligible for representation from the MSC in respect of that issue.

Conduct

Union staff will treat all members with dignity and respect. Likewise, union staff expect to be treated with dignity and respect by members. Abusive, hostile or threatening behaviour towards union staff will not be tolerated, nor will sexual harassment of union staff. The MSC may withdraw the provision of advice or representation to a member if it is considered the member's conduct towards a union staff person is inappropriate.

Complaints

Our union takes its commitment to providing quality service to members very seriously and therefore has a mechanism for resolving situations where members may be dissatisfied with the service or advice they have received from the MSC. For further information, please visit the 'Union Ombudsman' section at www.qpsu.org.au.

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