News Flash

Following the distribution of the PSA brief - "Dispute Update - Consultation is a right, not a privilege", 15 September 2010, the PSA has received an invitation via email from SA Health to attend a "consultative" meeting regarding the Human Resource Process for the DIFL Program on 24 September 2010. Within the email, it states:

"As we have already advised, the decision to redirect funding from the program was made after exploring ways of improving uptake of the program. These were not successful..."

The Department has been advised, both verbally and in writing, that at no time were members involved in any genuine consultation relating to any proposed cutting of positions from the DIFL.

Furthermore, SA Health is misleading in its comments that discussions had occurred with affected employees regarding proposed cuts to staffing numbers.  This is simply not the case.

The PSA has reiterated to SA Health that it welcomes the opportunity to meet and discuss the current dispute as it relates to the exchange of views between employers and persons or bodies that must be consulted and the genuine opportunity for them to contribute effectively to any decision making process.

The PSA and its members being advised on the 30 June 2010 that DIFL is to face enormous funding cuts, effective the following day, is not consultation.

PSA members are not willing to "put the decision behind them" and commence discussions regarding HR Principles that will see the loss of at least 50% of staff from the Program.

The PSA continues to demand that SA Health adhere to its responsibilities as outlined within the Enterprise Agreement.  Once again, the PSA calls upon SA Health to be genuine and consult with its staff about the future of the DIFL program. 

As advised previously, the PSA dispute of 30 June 2010 remains active.  Status quo will continue t remain.

SA Health need to address this issue.  The ball is in their court...

(Simon Johnson, Industrial Officer on spj@cpsu.asn.au)

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