The PSA attended the Repatriation General Hospital, Industrial Relations Forum held on Monday 26 May 2008. The PSA was represented by PSA Industrial Officer, Ted Szarek.

The purpose of the Industrial Liaison Forum is to provide a consultative forum between RGH management and the recognised health unions PSA, ANF, SASMOA and ALHMWU pursuant to the South Australian Health Commission Act, 1976.

The following items were discussed:

Pathology SA

Pathology SA will absorb the laboratory functions at RGH and 'in scope' staff will transfer on 1 July 2008. HR principles to facilitate this transfer have been developed. 'In scope' staff will also change to a new pay date/cycle to align their pay date with the current IMVS pay date/cycle.

Whole of Government Shared Services

'In scope' staff at RGH (payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable) are scheduled to transfer to Shared Services SA in November/December 2008. Due diligence and discovery activity is currently being conducted to prepare for the transfer.

Medical Imaging Review

Department of Health has accepted most of the changes to classifications requested. This will have cost implications for RGH due to some higher classifications.

Payment for travel time when recalled to work

The PSA raised an issue with Department of Health and Public Sector Workforce Division regarding the correct payment for travel time when recalled to work. Response was received from DH advising that travel time is to be paid when recalled to work. This information has been forwarded by DH to all HR/Payroll departments. RGH confirmed they are in receipt of this advice.

Paxtons Report

RGH management stated that some early analysis of the report has been conducted. Further discussions are also being held with DH regarding the implementation of some recommendations, particularly with regard to staff reductions. Management is seeking more information from relevant stakeholders to clarify the impact of implementing any staff reductions. RGH are committed to working through the issues in a consultative manner.

The PSA welcomes any issues members may wish to raise at future industrial forums. Please forward any issues to Carly Cooper, PSA Industrial Officer on clc@cpsu.asn.au Any Worksite Representative who wishes to attend these forums should also contact Carly Cooper.

The next RGH Industrial Liaison Forum is scheduled for Monday 28 July 2008.

PSA WORKING FOR IT'S MEMBERS