ENTERPRISE BARGAINING 2004

GOVERNMENT FAILS TO IMPROVE OFFER

On Wednesday 4^th February Jan McMahon General Secretary, Lindsay Oxlad President and other PSA officials attended a meeting of the Single Bargaining Centre (SBC) to continue negotiations with Government for a new Enterprise Agreement.

The Government failed to improve their offer of 3.5% wage increase per annum (4% for ASO1 equivalent) and 8 weeks paid maternity leave. It would appear that Government are not taking members' claims seriously. The Government has not been prepared to offer public sector workers a fair deal, despite Government having significantly increased income over and above its Budget estimates.

PSA members right across the pubic sector have strongly rejected the current offer. Industrial bans have been escalated in order to send a strong message to government that public sector workers deserve a wages outcome which properly reflects the valuable work they undertake for the community of south Australia.

Worksites in all areas are organising ongoing industrial action. It is important that members in worksites consult with all members across all classifications and occupational groups, to ensure broad support for this wages campaign across the public sector. Members should hold local meetings to determine future bans relevant to their worksites, while withdrawing goodwill and refusing to work unpaid time.

The PSA will continue to work with members in this campaign to achieve a fair deal.

PSA FIGHTING FOR A FAIR DEAL

Enquiries to Peter Christopher Chief Industrial Officer pgc@cpsu.asn.au