MASSIVE 'NO' VOTE 16 August 2004

News Flash MASSIVE 'NO' VOTE On Monday 16 August 2004, South Australian public servants overwhelmingly rejected the State Government’s Enterprise Bargaining pay offer. About 17,000 ballot papers were returned to the State Electoral Commission. Approximately 70% of votes rejected the Government offer of 3.5% per annum for some public servants and 4% for others. Considering only 5463 employees accepted the Government's inadequate offer, it is now time for the State Government to examine how it has mishandled the PSA's Enterprise Bargaining Claim and to demonstrate it is serious about resolving this dispute. The PSA has not been seeking anything extraordinary or unreasonable for its members. The ballot result vindicates the PSA's claim of 6% per annum. The ball is now in the State Government's court. The PSA has previously agreed not to take industrial action as the ballot was being conducted. That agreement, entered into as a sign of goodwill, has expired. Surely, this result is a clear indication that employees will not accept second class wages and conditions. `Peter Christopher, Chief Industrial Officer` `pgc@cpsu.asn.au` 16 August 2004

MASSIVE 'NO' VOTE

On Monday 16 August 2004, South Australian public servants overwhelmingly rejected the State Government’s Enterprise Bargaining pay offer.

About 17,000 ballot papers were returned to the State Electoral Commission. Approximately 70% of votes rejected the Government offer of 3.5% per annum for some public servants and 4% for others.

Considering only 5463 employees accepted the Government's inadequate offer, it is now time for the State Government to examine how it has mishandled the PSA's Enterprise Bargaining Claim and to demonstrate it is serious about resolving this dispute.

The PSA has not been seeking anything extraordinary or unreasonable for its members. The ballot result vindicates the PSA's claim of 6% per annum.

The ball is now in the State Government's court. The PSA has previously agreed not to take industrial action as the ballot was being conducted. That agreement, entered into as a sign of goodwill, has expired.

Surely, this result is a clear indication that employees will not accept second class wages and conditions.

Peter Christopher, Chief Industrial Officer

pgc@cpsu.asn.au

16 August 2004