The Industrial Relations Commission has convened a Directions Hearing on 31 January 2005 to deal with the scheduling of the salary component of the upcoming Arbitration case.

Members will recall that the Government applied to the Industrial Relations Commission for an Award, rather than genuinely negotiate an Enterprise Agreement.

At the same time as Government was willing to pay Nurses and Police significant, well deserved increases, it was not prepared to increase its offer to PSA members.

The PSA claim for 12 per cent over 2 years was to apply from November 2003, the end of the Parity Enterprise Agreement. The claim also included job security, 14 weeks paid maternity leave and other conditions of employment matters.

PSA has secured the 3.5 per cent interim increase pending the outcome of the Arbitration case.

In addition, PSA has reached agreement that non-Parity Agencies whose pay rates are historically linked to Parity outcomes are also able to pay a 3.5 per cent interim increase by administrative action. Unfortunately, Government has only agreed that this be prospective, although final Enterprise Agreements in the non-Parity Agencies may be retrospective when finally approved.

The Commission has also determined that the maternity leave component of the Arbitration be dealt with separately and this case will be heard on 28 February and 1 March 2005.

Some confusion has arisen within some Agencies concerning other conditions of service. These entitlements have not changed, as the Government has only agreed to apply the Commission Determination allowing for a 3.5 per cent interim increase. The Arbitration case will only deal with salary rates and the amount of paid maternity leave, with all other matters to be determined separately.

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT CHANGES

PSA has notified a Dispute to the Industrial Relations Commission concerning the various changes flowing from the unilateral decisions of Government and the Commissioner for Public Employment to introduce significant changes including organisational structures, tenure for Executives, delegations and external advertising of positions at ASO6 and above. A Conference has been convened by Deputy President Hampton on Tuesday, 18 January 2005.

PSA has made significant representations regarding the above, but Government and the Commissioner are proceeding with the changes. PSA representations have resulted in the limiting of the external advertising to positions of ASO6 and above vacant for over 12 months, and not all positions as originally proposed, although PSA is challenging this in the Industrial Relations Commission

For enquiries contact Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher on 8205 3201 or email pgc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR YOU