News Flash

EB 2009 UPDATE

A further meeting with Government representatives took place today regarding Enterprise Bargaining. The PSA was represented by President Lindsay Oxlad, General Secretary Jan McMahon, Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher and Industrial Officer Simon Johnson.

The PSA expanded on its claim which sought an outcome in an Enterprise Agreement which as a total package provides worthwhile benefits to members, including a fair and reasonable salary increase for all, with the first increase paid from 1 October 2009, up front cash payment, protection of existing conditions, job security, improvements to conditions and allowances and Agency / classification specific schedules to deal with particular requirements, including but not limited to Allied Health.

Today the PSA particularly argued for a quick and satisfactory resolution to negotiations in order to avoid potentially lengthy delays that may be otherwise brought about by the Christmas/New Year period and the risk that if not resolved soon, a decision may not be possible once the Government enters 'caretaker' mode in the lead up to the 2010 State election. There is also concern that a delay in reaching an Agreement will make a 1 October 2009 date of effect more difficult to achieve.

In pursuing the above, the PSA advised that in without prejudice meetings held directly between it and Public Sector Workforce Relations (PSWR) it has put forward for consideration a number of issues including the following:

• Penalty payments to apply if staff required to work more than 5 hours without a break
  
  
• Increased allowances, penalty rates and on-call rates
  
  
• No loss of flex-time where management cannot release staff due to workload requirements
  
  
• Prisons and Youth Secure Care allowances
  
  
• Improved professional development and training leave
  
  
• Improved leave provisions, including maternity/paternity leave
  
  
• Regional travel improvements for recreation leave
  
  
• Allowances for additional qualifications
  
  
• A revised classification structure for health professionals
  
  
• A shorter Agreement
  
  

17 November 2009