A Full Bench of the Industrial Relations Commission today heard PSA's application for an interim increase with effect from 1 October 2004.

The Full Bench was made up of the President, Senior Judge Jennings and Deputy Presidents Hampton and Bartel. The basis of the PSA submissions today was that attempts to secure an Enterprise Agreement had been unsuccessful, the Government refused to negotiate further and had applied for an Award to be made in respect to salary and paid maternity leave.

The PSA indicated that it was not opposed to the making of an Award, but in recognition of the fact that PSA had been forced into a lengthy Arbitration case because of the Government's refusal to negotiate, that PSA members should not be disadvantaged.

The PSA submission was that the interim of 3.5% - 4% and 8 weeks paid maternity leave had been proposed by Government as being fair and reasonable and that members should be paid this while the case for any further amount was heard by the Industrial Relations Commission.

The PSA application for an interim Award was strongly opposed by Government. In opposing the PSA application for an interim increase, the Government position was that even if the Industrial Relations Commission was inclined to award a salary increase it should not agree to any increased maternity leave.

PSA argued that an interim salary increase and 8 weeks paid maternity leave are warranted so that workers are not disadvantaged while the full case is run over coming months.

The Commission has reserved its decision, and it is not known when a decision regarding the interim increase will be handed down. The Commission has, however, previously been mindful of determining this matter at an early stage in view of the date of effect of the 1 October sought by the PSA.

Members will be kept informed of developments.

 
    9 September 2004