On Friday 25 January 2008 PSA Industrial Officer Sue Cummins attended the Department of Health (DH) Industrial Liaison Committee (ILC). The following key agenda items were discussed.

INDUSTRIAL LIAISON FORUM

The scope and purpose of the Industrial Liaison Forum was the main focus of discussion. The Chief Executive of DH has approved the establishment of two forums to “facilitate consultation with unions and employee associations” to replace the existing ILC forum.

The DH Union Forum will be chaired by the CE and attended by DH Executive Directors and Senior Union Officials and will have a more policy, strategic focus.

The existing Industrial Liaison Committee (ILC) will continue and will have a more operational focus.

Union representatives raised concerns that the additional layer of meetings meant some important issues which have overlap might not be discussed at the ILC. The view of DH is that having both forums would improve communication with unions and employees. ILC members agreed to trial the two forums and the PSA will be assessing their effectiveness as consultation mechanisms and forums to address membership concerns.

Union representatives also requested the ILC Terms of Reference include the need to consult on change management issues across the Health portfolio.

The ILC meetings are in addition to separate forums established at hospitals and health units which will continue to meet.

PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR ALLIED HEALTH/ PSYCHOLOGISTS

A number of retention issues have been identified for these groups of employees and the right to work in private practice was identified as an option to address this last year. The model was to be based on that of Medical Specialists which is still being negotiated with the Medico's union, SASMOA.

There are still legal and industrial issues which need to be addressed before these arrangements can be expanded to include other groups. Tax compliance issues also need to be clarified.

DH will be in a better position at the next meeting to provide an update on progress. The PSA will continue to monitor this issue.

PROFESSIONAL MANAGERIAL ALLOWANCE

The PSA raised concerns about difficulties members have had in some health units in gaining access to the Managerial Allowance which was an outcome of the recent Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

The allowance is part of the new Professional Officer (PO) Structure. The PSA has pursued grievances on behalf of members who are entitled to the allowance. However employers continue to refuse to pay in some circumstances.

If PSA members believe they are not receiving the appropriate allowance they should contact the PSA.

PSA WORKING WITH MEMBERS IN HEALTH