Weekly meetings continue in an attempt to resolve outstanding issues and achieve a new Enterprise Agreement for school based employees.

As reported earlier, the government has offered a 3.25% per annum wage increase over the next three years. There also has been an offer to increase paid maternity leave to 14 weeks.

The government has put forward a “Student Centred Funding Model”, which would replace the current Staffing Allocation Model. As you would be aware, this model determines the level of staffing at each school site. The government's current proposal does not set out any maximums in relation to class size. Therefore, the unions have great concerns in relation to work loads for both teachers and SSOs.

The Government has also put forward a new model for determining wage structures for leadership positions within school sites. Clearly, the leadership structure within a school would have an impact on work loads within the school. This is another aspect of significant discussions. Negotiations will continue on a weekly basis until further notice. Next week discussions will focus on the Government's proposal for an SSO6 classification and work life balance.

The PSA is holding a round of membership meetings to provide further information on the enterprise bargaining negotiations. Members will also have the opportunity to ask­ questions and discuss any issues of concern. Meeting times were advised to members on Monday 5^th May.

If you would like to have a PSA meeting in your school, please contact your Industrial Officer and this will be arranged.

PSA: ASSISTING MEMBERS IN DECS