News Flash

EXCLUSIONS FROM THE PO STREAM – EB OFFER

As detailed in previous briefs the Government has made a formal offer in relation to Enterprise Bargaining which includes a restructured Professional Stream (PO). This is in response to recruitment and retention difficulties identified by the PSA in relation to professional members, including Allied Health areas.

This structure will provide members in the Professional and Medical Scientist stream additional increases above the 3.5% salary increase per annum. If the new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement is supported by the majority of employees the new structure will come into effect from the 1st October 2006.

The PSA is aware a number of members have professional qualifications and are employed in other classification streams. For example Accountants and Librarians employed in the ASO stream, District Centre Managers in Families SA employed in the MAS stream, and Options Co-Ordinators and Developmental Educators appointed in the OPS stream. These are only some examples.

To be in the professional stream the position must require a minimum essential qualification of a 3 year degree from a University and be in an occupational group currently in Schedule 3 of the SA Public Sector Salaried Employees Interim Award (SAPSSEI) 1994 (available at http://www.cpsu.asn.au/industrialinfo.html). One of the implications of the new structure is that relativities with other classification streams will no longer apply. Given the rationale of assisting with recruitment and retention difficulties, and acknowledging the skills shortage and ageing workforce issues facing the public sector, the PSA has written to Minister Weatherill this week as the Minister for Public Sector Management identifying this issue.

The PSA stated;

• Occupations where this is an issue need to be identified.

• Where professional qualifications are essential or highly desirable, agencies should ensure positions are multi-classified, and where an incumbent or successful applicant has a degree they then be paid at the appropriate PO level.

• Appendix 5 of the EB, Officer Work Level Definitions should include the list of occupational groups in Schedule 3 of the SAPSSEI Award and include other groups currently not listed, e.g. Graduate Accountants and Developmental Educators.

The PSA will keep members informed of progress on this issue, and welcomes feedback from members on occupations which are potentially affected.

For enquiries contact professional@cpsu.asn.au or phone Ian Peak on 8205 3294 or
Josie Barbaro on 8205 3295.