PSA MEETS WITH DFC

"SAVED CLAUSE" HOUSING SA FLEXIBILITY ARRANGEMENTS

Due to the request of the Department of Families and Communities Human Resources Unit, the PSA has had discussion concerning the Flexitime arrangements and the “Saved Clause” Housing Trust Flexibility Arrangements. The arrangements are currently contained in the SA Government Wages Enterprise Award.

A meeting took place 9 November 2006, in attendance for the Association, PSA Vice President Steve Callaghan and Lesley Burford Chairperson of the Housing Worksite Representatives together with PSA Industrial Staff.

The DFC HR representative declared to the meeting that there was no claim or change being required by DFC to the “Saved Clause” provision that he was aware of at this time. It was rather an inquiry as to the history that related to provisions under the “Saved Clause” DFC was also seeking information regarding how the Housing SA staff felt about the provisions and their application in the various worksites across the Housing SA.

PSA representatives strongly emphasised that these flexitime arrangements had been negotiated in 1996. They had continued, and had been part of the “Saved Clause” provisions of the previous SA Government Wages Enterprise Award. They are included in the 2006 SA Government Wages Parity offer which will be going to ballot. If there was any intended threat to the “Saved Clause”, this may well impact upon how the Housing SA members exercised their vote.

The DFC representative advised the meeting that it was not the intention of DFC to remove this clause in the proposed new agreement.

PSA has raised with the DFC representative the issue of the variation and application of the “bandwidth hours” for flexitime accrual purposes, especially in regional areas. DFC have responded that they are prepared to address these concerns in consultation with the PSA and its worksite representatives.

Enquiries to Industrial Officer Brett Capes on 8205 3238 or email: bc@cpsu.asn.au

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