News Flash

GAINS FOR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN PROPOSED EA

The Enterprise Agreement offer by the South Australian Government includes a number of gains specifically for Allied Health Professionals (AHP).

PAY INCREASES DURING LIFE OF AGREEMENT

The full salary structure is available in Schedule 1.2 of the proposed agreement available here.

1. New structure for AHP's which give increased salaries and greater opportunities for career advancement.

2. For AHP's who are On-Call, Recalled to Duty, work overtime or work night shift increased pay rates.

3. Professional Development Leave and Fee Reimbursement.
   
   New Structure

1. The new structure includes at the AHP2, 3, 4 and 5 level a higher top increment equal to the previous 1st increment of the next highest level. E.g. AHP2 top increment = PO3 1st increment. An additional level, AHP6 has been created for which some AHP5's would be eligible.

2. All PO1's who have passed the PO1 assessment barrier for progression, i.e. PO1, 6th and 7th increment will move to AHP2, 1st increment. Progression after 12 months will be subject to a peer assessment process. This means, PO1 top increment will move from $59,871 (1.10.08), to the new AHP2, at $64,777 and if successful would progress after 12 months to $68,726 and 12 months later to $73,131 during the life of the EA.

3. A PO2 (top increment) will move on translation from $70,404 (1.10.08) to $75,005.

4. A PO3 (top increment $77,611) will move to AHP3 $82,392 and so on.

5. AHP6 will be $114,800.

6. PO1, 5th increment and below will translate to AHP1. After 12 months at the 5th increment, an AHP1 can then apply to a Peer Assessment Panel for assessment to progress to AHP2.

The pay increase will be in two parts,

1. On 1.10.09 by 2.5%, then

2. On transfer to the new structure on approval of the proposed EA. The $600 payment will also apply at this time

3. Then a further 2.5% increase on 1.10.10 and another 2.5% on 1.10.11.

The Government has also agreed to PSA's request for a review of positions against the new AHP Work Level Definitions, which will themselves be reviewed during the life of the Agreement.

On-Call Allowances
Increased from $13.90 to $25.70 when rostered On-Call for a night time and from $27.60 to $44.95 when rostered On-Call on a full Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday or RDO.

Overtime
Previously overtime rates were discounted for those above ASO4 (equal to 2nd top increment PO1). Now overtime is to be calculated on normal salary up to and including AHP3. Above AHP3 overtime is to be paid at top increment AHP3 when recalled to duty, where a minimum of 3 hours overtime pay applies, including travel time.

Night-Time Shift Penalty
Increased from 15% to 20.5%
30% for permanent night shift still applies (i.e. work at least 4 weeks out of 6 on night shift).

Professional Development

Reimbursement of costs and five (5) days paid Professional Development Leave, where Professional development is a compulsory requirement of a recognised Professional Registration or Accreditation body. Another clause acknowledges the mutual benefit to employer and employee of training and that agencies are to implement the principles of performance development.

Other Benefits

In the Proposed EA which applies to AHP's

• If required to work without a break, a 50% penalty after 6 hours until a 30 minute break is taken;

• increase in Paid Maternity Leave;

• Accrued Flexi Time, as well as TOIL, cannot be lost if management cannot release employee.

Scope
The AHP schedule applies to all occupational groups designated as AHP employed by all agencies under this EA. A similar schedule applies to Medical Scientists.

For enquiries contact PSA Acting Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Ian Peak on email ian@cpsu.asn.au

15 December 2009