News Flash

The formal process for negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement started today with the first meeting occurring with Government representatives.

The PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher, Senior Industrial Officer (Health) Dolly Costello and Industrial Officer Simon Johnson.

The PSA sought an outcome in an Enterprise Agreement which as a total package provides worthwhile benefits to members, including:

    A fair and reasonable salary increase for all, with the first increase paid from 1                     October 2009.
    Protection of existing conditions.
    Job security.
    Improvements to conditions and allowances.
    Agency / classification specific schedules to deal with particular requirements,                 including but not limited to Allied Health.

The PSA will now participate in negotiations with Government regarding the above with a view to achieving the best possible outcome for members.

The PSA has strongly supported there being a single Enterprise Agreement for all Public Sector workers, including health workers, as the means of achieving the best outcomes.  Historically, when health workers had their own Agreement, they lagged significantly behind the rest of the Public Sector.  When the PSA achieved the first Parity Agreement it lifted health workers' pay by over 10% and gave access to Salary Sacrifice arrangements not previously available.

Because of the nature of the work undertaken by health workers and their general unwillingness to enter into prolonged industrial campaigns, Government had taken advantage of this by way of reduced pay and resources.  The single Agreement was an important step in improving pay and conditions for health workers.

Issues which have been raised by members at worksite meetings or directly with the PSA will be incorporated into the ongoing negotiations.

Members will be kept informed of ongoing developments.

30 September 2009