For some people Shared Services SA is the employer of choice. But for the vast majority of employees, Shared Services SA is NOT the employer of choice.

When the Shared Services Reform Office (SSRC), the predecessor of Shared Services SA (SSSA) was established, Executive positions were created which were filled as promotional positions.

As SSSA developed more Managerial, and HR Positions were created which were filled by employees seeking promotional positions.

This is the essence of the Public Sector. Skills related career paths, offering promotional opportunities. Employees going to an employer of their choice.

But with SSSA for those employees undertaking the roles for which it was created, i.e. payroll, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, those employed at the ASO1, ASO2 and ASO3 levels, there was no choice. They were transferred by proclamation.

Employees, many of whom were already working in the Adelaide CBD, had no choice but to transfer. They did not move to Promotional Positions.

From late November to early December, the Government is planning to move members currently employed in hospitals in Payroll and Accounts from the Noarlunga Health Service through to the Gawler Health Service into Adelaide Office blocks.

Country employees e.g. At Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier hospitals, can “elect” not to transition when their positions move in December. They will then become redeployees.

Members have advised PSA of the substantial financial losses they will face, from $3,000 per annum up to $10,000 and maybe more. This is because of the change in Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) concessional employer for Salary Sacrifice purposes, increased traveling costs, child care etc.

The 3.5% Pay Rise which they receive this week, will be more than absorbed by the costs incurred in these forced changes. In fact, for many they will have less take home pay then they did in 2005.

The Government intends to move these positions by a proclamation by the Governor with the advice and consent of Executive Council i.e. the Rann Government Cabinet.

Members are being moved from their employer of choice e.g. FMC, QEH or Lyell McEwin, to one they did not choose, and one they do not want to go to.

Employees have been offered no compensation at all by the State Government for the extra costs incurred.

Members in health have taken Industrial Action, in frustration, as the Government shows no willingness to compensate for the losses they will incur by moving to SSSA.

The matter is currently before the Industrial Relations Commission, as the PSA works through all avenues available to ensure affected members are treated fairly.

For further enquiries, please contact Acting PSA Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Ian Peak on phone (08) 8205 3294 or email ian@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR MEMBERS