Earlier today, the PSA concluded its closing argument in relation to the Wages Arbitration Case before the Full Bench of the South Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

The PSA strongly advocated for a fair and equitable outcome for those 34,000 employees that are covered by the South Australian Government (Public Sector Salaried Employees) Salaries Interim Award 2004.

Following the PSA's submission, Counsel for Government commenced their closing argument with the statement that no further improvement should be made to the offer that went to ballot in mid 2004.

In other words, the Government continues to argue that employees will only receive 3.5% or 4% (depending on their classification).

As members will recall, a 3.5% interim payment was awarded by the Full Bench late last year, despite Government objecting to such a payment and subsequently arguing for a 0% interim payment.

In addition, the Government has put the view that the interim award commence in October 2004 and expire in October 2006, and contain a 'No Extra Claims' Clause (i.e. A full year after the second and final increase to be awarded by the Commission, to take effect in October 2005).

Considering that the South Australian Government Wages Parity Enterprise Agreement 2001 expired in November 2003, and the overwhelming rejection of the Government's offer through ballot process last year, it is extremely disappointing that the State Government has persisted with this inequitable view.

The PSA will have the opportunity to respond to the Government's closing submission later this week.

In relation to paid maternity leave, the Full Bench today advised that a Decision is now likely to be handed down next week.


19 April 2005