PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon, President Lindsay Oxlad, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher and Industrial Officer Josie Barbaro met with representatives from the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) and Shared Services SA (SSSA), on Friday 14^th December 2007.

The PSA has serious concerns that meetings have commenced with “in scope” employees of Group 1 agencies. A commitment was given by DTF that once positions and employees had been identified through the discovery process, there would be an agreed set of protocols regarding how communication would occur with employees. This has not occurred, with many meetings being held without the PSA being notified. This is yet another example of DTF failing to genuinely consult. Genuine consultation involves the opportunity to be involved in the decision making process, and not simply be advised of what is being done. The PSA requested it be notified in advance prior to any further action or communication being undertaken with employees.

Despite the PSA providing extensive feedback on Human Resource Principles and the Consultation and Engagement Strategy, these documents are yet to be finalised. It is inconceivable that employees can be expected to move or make decisions before these critical documents are finalised.

DTF provided the PSA with a draft document at the meeting summarising terms and conditions of employment for SSSA employees. The PSA will analyse this document and provide further details to members. Whilst a commitment has been provided to honour existing terms and conditions for transitioning employees, it is clear there will be a move towards uniform conditions of employment within Shared Services SA, therefore this guarantee only has a limited time of application. This is not acceptable.

Whilst no formal commitment has been provided that regional employees will not be forced to relocate, Minister Wright, in response to PSA concerns, has given this commitment in a regional radio interview. The Under Treasurer confirmed that this was so. The PSA continues to have concerns about the impact on redeployment for Regional employees, particularly with the review of the Redeployment process and the Public Sector Bill 2008.

The PSA reiterated its position that employees should not be disadvantaged as a result of the transition to Shared Services SA. The list of outstanding items identified by the PSA, including Salary Sacrifice issues for health employees, are still unanswered, and the PSA will continue to pursue these.

PSA Industrial Officers will continue to meet with members who are identifying possible actions if satisfactory responses are not provided. If you have any queries, please contact PSA Industrial Officer Josie Barbaro on jxb@cpsu.asn.au or 8205 3295.

PSA WORKING FOR MEMBERS

17 December 2007