DENTAL DISPUTE - BANS NOT TO ESCALATE

The meeting was provided with a copy of a letter from Dr Tony Sherbon, Chief Executive, Department of Health received 28 June 2007 advising that they require further time to consider the available options. The letter also stated that "to allow the Departments to continue its considerations the Public Service Association is requested to cease all industrial Action in relation to this matter immediately.”

The PSA responded to Dr. Sherbon on 29th June 2007 stating that the Dental Officers are becoming increasingly frustrated by his department's lack of action. The PSA required a response by midday 4th July 2007 as members would be meeting that evening.

The Minister of Health, John Hill was also written to on the 29th June 2007 urging him to ensure a satisfactory response by the 4th June 2007. PSA pointed out that the Government has been considering the options since our last meeting on the 8th May 2007. These meetings took place following the PSA meeting with the Minister on the 21 February 2007. PSA also remind the Minister that in good faith PSA members had agreed to defer bans on limitations previously planned for 1st May 2007 on the expectation that satisfactory progress was being made. Copies of all correspondence has been faxed to Michael Wright, Minister for Industrial Relations.

On Wednesday afternoon PSA received a Notification of Industrial Dispute from the Industrial Commission requesting a voluntary conference on the issue. This had been requested by the Government.

The Conference is being held at 10am Thursday 5th July 2007. On this basis the PSA Dental Officers determined not to escalate bans. PSA will advise of any recommendations coming out of the IRC Conference.

PSA Officials at the Dental Officers meeting were the President Lindsay Oxlad, Assistant General Secretary Nev Kitchin and PSA Industrial Officers, Dolly Costello, Kathy Tsorvas, Simon Johnson and Ian Peak.

PSA WORKING FOR PUBLIC DENTAL HEALTH