EB 2006 UPDATE

PSA members would now be aware that an Enterprise Bargaining offer has been made which PSA Worksite Representatives and PSA Council have endorsed. Details of the offer are available here.

As well as being offered a 3.5% p.a. annual increase for 3 years for all members, the PSA has also secured a Professional restructure in recognition of recruitment and retention difficulties amongst particular professional groups, including Allied Health Professionals.

Whilst the offer does not fully satisfy all elements of the PSA claim or address all of the recruitment and retention issues which have been identified by members, it does make significant improvements on current professional salaries. The Government has indicated this offer will not be improved during the enterprise bargaining negotiations.

There has been some debate and recent reports on relativities with other states, in particular that South Australian Health Professionals are well behind in pay rates compared to other states. The PSA believes it is essential any discussion is based on accurate information. This offer will not make all South Australian professionals the highest paid in Australia, but it does significantly improve the position of professionals. correspondence from Public Sector Workforce Relations, which compares the proposed PO structure to Allied Health Professionals employed in the Tasmanian public sector is available here. This is in response to information which has been circulating which misrepresents details of the Tasmanian agreement, particularly in relation to salary comparisons.

The offer will now go to a ballot of employees. If members are not satisfied with the offer, the alternative is to determine a strategy for improving the offer. This would involve a long, protracted industrial campaign. PSA members have previously indicated their preference is for a quick outcome, avoiding any long industrial dispute.

The PSA, in addition to the Enterprise Bargaining process, will continue to address issues relating to classification, recruitment and retention, workload and other important matters affecting members.

For enquiries contact Peter Christopher pgc@cpsu.asn.au or phone 8205 3220.

For improved wages and conditions VOTE and VOTE YES.