DENTAL SERVICE SADS COUNTRY ALLOWANCES 18 July 2011

Public Service Association

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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SA DENTAL SERVICE COUNTRY STAFF

The Public Service Association (PSA) wrote to the General Manager, Statewide Dental Service, on 14 July 2011. The letter formally advised of a dispute and included the following:

Of particular concern to the PSA and its members is the requirement for staff to travel considerable distances to clinics at various regional locations in unpaid time and using their own vehicles. Also of concern are OHS&W issues as a result of fatigue due to a combination of travel and duty time at a clinic.

The PSA does not agree with the assertions provided by SADS and notified SADS of a dispute per the South Australian Government Wages Parity (Salaried) Enterprise Agreement 2010, Clause 26, Grievance and Dispute Avoidance Procedures. The PSA drew attention to Clause 26.2 in that during any dispute the status quo existing immediately prior to the matter giving rise to the dispute will remain. Work will continue as it was prior to the matter giving rise to dispute.

A SADS letter (to PSA) dated 24 May 2011 has been considered and in response the PSA contends that:

Section 34 (4) of the Health Care Act does not provide the legislative power to direct an employee to travel in their own time and at their own expense to worksites other than their 'normal worksite/office'.
Home to work travel to worksites other than the employees 'normal worksite/office' is travel for 'official purposes' and cannot be considered as part of the employees responsibility to get to work.
Employees cannot be required under any circumstances whatsoever to use their private vehicle for official purposes including travelling considerable distance to attend various SADS clinics for the employer's benefit.
It is unreasonable to add two or more hours to a working day without renumeration and Workcover liability cover.

The PSA will keep members informed of progress with this matter.
18 July 2011