The first Single Bargaining Centre (SBC) meeting was conducted on Wednesday 20 September to formally commence negotiations in relation to the development of a new Wages Parity Agreement for salaried employees to replace the existing arbitrated award, which expires on 30 September 2006.

The PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher.

Following the PSA's lodgment of its claim on 13 June 2006 and subsequent discussions with Government representatives, the SBC signifies formal commencement of the process.

The PSA claim seeks an annual increase of 5 per cent per annum with effect 1 October 2006, 2007 and 2008 together with improvements to a number of conditions. The Claim was also based on no loss or reduction of existing conditions, together with maintaining job security.

In addition, the Claim recognises that a number of structural issues will be addressed in parallel with the EB negotiations, to deal with identified recruitment and retention issues.

At the SBC, the PSA reiterated its objective to achieve a date of effect of 1 October 2006, and also reaffirmed that urgent work was continuing to be undertaken in relation to professionals (including Allied Health) and Correctional Officers in relation to recruitment of retention.

The PSA will continue to seek an early resolution to this process.

PSA WORKING FOR YOU