On Wednesday 10 December as a result of motions passed to commence industrial action due to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) failing to pay Recreation Leave Loading underpayments the Public Service Association (PSA) was required to attend an urgent South Australian Industrial Relations Commission Voluntary Conference.

As a result of the Voluntary Conference, Commissioner McMahon, who “was sympathetic to the claims of the PSA” and deemed the underpayment “has been outstanding for too long”, recommended that DCS do everything possible to expedite reconciliation, that it lodge a cabinet Submission to approve funds and commence issuing indicative statements to effected employees.

The PSA attended a further Voluntary Conference on Tuesday 16 December at which DCS representatives agreed to the following:

• that all outstanding amounts up to 19 December 2008 will begin to be reconciled from mid January;

• all effected employees will begin to receive letters as from 19 December 2008 indicating amounts that are due to be received from January;

• letters will be sent in batches as the reconciliation process continues in alphabetical order as from 19 December 2008, inclusive of any amounts due to Recreational Leave, Operation Challenge and OSU underpayments.

Once current employees have been processed DCS will then inform previous employees and any entitled recipients due of deceased members.

• amounts do not include any amendments that may arise due to the disputed manner as to how Public Holidays are managed when they fall in a period of leave. Any amendments or adjustments that may arise will be settled at a later date following negotiated outcomes between the PSA and DCS.

The PSA and DCS will continue to negotiate a satisfactory outcome for members in relation to Public Holidays within a period of leave which is currently a disputed matter. For Christmas, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Australia Day, DCS has agreed to continue the practice of providing a day off in lieu of a public holiday falling in a period of leave.

Please contact PSA Industrial Officer, Wayne Dungey should you have any questions or comments on 8205 3238 or email wkd@cpsu.asn.au