PSA wrote to Government regarding pay arrangements for working on Christmas Day, as the following Monday, 27 December is regarded as a Public Holiday, not Saturday, 25 December. Government has responded as follows:

“I am pleased to advise that Government has considered this matter and in recognition of the special significance of Christmas Day and the disadvantage of having to work on Christmas Day has approved a special additional penalty rate of 50% for time worked by public sector employees as part of normal working hours on 25 December 2004. Government has also approved that the same arrangements will apply on Christmas Day, 25 December 2005 which falls on Sunday.

This special penalty rate is in addition to the normal penalty loading of 50% for work performed as part of normal working hours on Saturday or Sunday.

Please note however, that these penalties only apply where employees are required and rostered to work on Christmas Day to meet organisational needs.”

CPSU (SPSF) FEDERAL ACCOUNTS

The CPSU (SPSF) Group Federal Council Financial Accounts Year Ending 30 June 2004 will be available on the Federal Office website as at 3 November 2004:

http://cpsu-spsf.asn.au/campaigns/general/20041103_199.html

For information contact Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher on
8205 3200 or email pgc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA CAMPAIGNING FOR A FAIR DEAL