News Flash

PSA action has secured employment conditions for members who transferred from WorkCover to SafeWork from 1 January this year.

The PSA was fully involved in negotiations with DAIS and WorkCover over the conditions that would apply to those involved in the transfer and a detailed agreement was reached. That agreement included a statement that, in situations where WorkCover conditions were more favourable than those in DAIS, 'the more favourable conditions will be maintained'

Despite this, members complained to the PSA that fortnightly salaries and annual leave bonuses were being calculated in ways that reduced the WorkCover entitlements.

PSA pursued these matters on behalf of members and SafeWork has now agreed that the WorkCover provisions will apply into the future.

In addition, some staff who transferred had an entitlement to the provision of a tools of trade vehicle. The agreement reached at transfer on these vehicles was that this arrangement would carry on for 6 months, pending a review of vehicle need. The review is yet to be conducted. SafeWork has now agreed that this arrangement will continue beyond that 6 month time-frame and that the review will consider the views of affected staff members and the PSA will be advised of the recommendations of the review before implementation.

This is a great outcome for members and shows that PSA members, Work-site Representatives and officials working together can make a difference.

25 August 2006