The Government's Enterprise Bargaining offer was comprehensively rejected in a ballot which saw only 5463 employees support the Government's proposal.

The Industrial and Employee Relations Act requires a majority of workers to support a proposed Agreement in order for it to be certified. This clearly has not occurred. The Act also provides that where a ballot is conducted a majority of those voting must support the proposed Agreement. This also has clearly not occurred with 11,462 employees rejecting the Government's proposal.

WORKSITE REPRESENTATIVES MEETING:

PSA Worksite Representatives met yesterday and were provided with a full report concerning the ballot and future strategies. The following resolution was unanimously endorsed:

“That this meeting of PSA Worksite Representatives welcomes the overwhelming rejection of the Government's EB proposal in a ballot of all employees, and the endorsement of the PSA position to secure a better outcome.

This meeting demands that unless Government quickly re-opens negotiations, that the matter be referred back to the IRC, and that in initial IRC proceedings PSA seek a decision from the Commission which provides for interim pay increases and increased maternity leave from 1 October 2004, pending the determination of the full case.

The PSA has written to the Minister seeking to recommence negotiations. Government media comments indicate that they have no intention of doing so. The PSA will not allow our members to be disadvantaged by such a Government approach and will use the facilities afforded by the Industrial Relations Commission to now secure suitable outcomes, including interim increases in pay and conditions from October 2004.

(Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher on 8205 3200 or email pgc@cpsu.asn.au)

 
 
18 August 2004