News Flash

A further Enterprise Bargaining meeting was held with Government representatives today.

The PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher and Industrial Officer Simon Johnson.

The PSA reported that it had widely consulted with Worksite Representatives and members across hundreds of worksites. Membership feedback clearly showed that the offer had wide support.

The PSA has urged Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that an employee ballot occurs urgently.

This is consistent with PSA's earlier advice to members that the Agreement represents a good outcome and that negotiations cannot be allowed to go into next year. Any such delay risks Government going into caretaker mode before the State election and negotiations not being able to proceed.

The key benefits of the proposed Agreement are:

- Job Security
- 2.5% pa with effect 1 October 2009, 2010, 2011.
- Protection of existing conditions
- $600 one off payment (pro-rata for part time employees)
- Significantly improved Paid Maternity Leave
- A new Allied Health Professional (AHP)Structure, and PSA General Secretary asked that a review of the operation of new Work - Level Definitions be agreed
- AHP structure to apply to Social Workers, Speech Pathologists and Psychologists even where not Health employees
- Improved allowances and penalty payments
- Flexitime cannot be lost if management cannot release staff
- Life of Agreement is 2.5 years
- Improved Professional Development

Further details of the Government offer can be found on the PSA web site.

The PSA will continue with workplace information sessions.

    11 December 2009