PSA members affected by the proposed transfer of jobs to Shared Services SA had a meeting at the PSA on Friday 10 October 2008 at 12.30 p.m. to consider the recommendations from the Industrial Relations Commission.

This was “IN THE MATTER of a dispute between SA Government (Dept of Health) and the Public Service Association of SA Inc”.

The recommendations followed the voluntary conference held on Friday 3 October 2008.

Members at the PSA meeting resolved the following motion:

MOTION:

“That this meeting of PSA members affected by Shared Services

• Notes the recommendations of the IRCSA, including that ongoing discussions will be Chaired by the Commission commencing 17 October,

• Determines to suspend bans on the basis that Government negotiates in good faith,

• Declares that for negotiations to be genuine Government is not to act to harm affected members and will not proceed to transfer, or make arrangements to transfer, Health, outer metropolitan or regional staff from their current Agencies or locations whilst these proceedings are before the IRCSA, and

• Adjourns this meeting to Friday 24 October 2008 at 12.30pm”.

The recommendations of the Commissioner, dated 7 October 2008 were:

“During the conference, the Department agreed to discuss this matter under the auspices of the Commission, subject to all bans being lifted. They will agree to submit to a timetable of meetings with the objective of limiting the negative effects of employees moving to Shared Services.

With the above commitment of the DOH and considering the detrimental effects of the bans, particularly the EBA increases to all employees including the Union's own members. I recommend as follows:

1. THAT all bans be lifted expeditiously and that the PSA meet with its members in the week commencing Tuesday 7 October 2008 to discuss this matter.

2. THAT Assuming that all bans are lifted, negotiations will commence before the Commission commencing at 9.30am Friday 17 October 2008.

Leave is reserved to both parties”.

The PSA has demanded that the Government respect the status quo existing immediately prior to the matter giving rise to the dispute as per clause 23.2 of the Enterprise Agreement. The PSA is presently awaiting the Government's response to this demand.

For any enquiries please contact Ian D Peak, Senior Industrial Officer on 8205 3294 or email: ian@cpsu.asn.au