News Flash

A WIN FOR SA DENTAL SERVICE MEMBERS

The Public Service Association (PSA) has, for some time, been concerned that inappropriate record keeping and non payment of overtime has been occurring within SA Dental Service.

After being advised of these practices by members the PSA contacted SA Dental Service in September 2009 outlining member's concerns. Discussions have taken place at Industrial Liaison Forums and specific examples given to SA Dental Service Management to follow up.

The PSA considers it is important that accurate attendance records be kept for a number of reasons including Workers Compensation purposes i.e. if a person is injured at work at a time different than is stated on their time sheet, there then could be difficulty for a member pursuing a claim.

The PSA also considers that an employee cannot be required to work in excess of their 7.5 hours in a day unless this is required as overtime (SA Public Sector Salaried Employees Interim Award (SAPSSEIA) Clause 6.1.4) and this is authorised prior to being worked (SAPSSEIA Clause 6.1.5).

If an employee requests it, then they may take Time Off in Lieu of Payment (TOIL) instead of receiving an overtime payment (SAPSSEIA Clause 6.1.7).

The PSA considers that in many cases within SA Dental Service there have been breaches of both the Award and the Fair Work Act in that:

1. accurate records as required have not been kept

2. managers are requiring staff to work in excess of their normal hours and without payment.

The PSA has been concerned that as a consequence, members have been disadvantaged.

The PSA wrote to Dr Tony Sherbon, Chief Executive, Department of Health in March 2010 advising of such industrial breaches that have occurred and sought the Department of Health's assistance to ensure these matters are addressed.

Today the PSA has received notification from the Department of Health stating that “The matters you have raised have been discussed with SADS management. As a consequence SADS is reviewing its practices and procedures in relation to record keeping and the payment of overtime.”

Another win for members of SA Dental Service.

If any member is having concerns or feel that they are being disadvantaged by non payment of overtime or TOIL, please email PSA Industrial Officer Margie Lindley on mcl@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR SA DENTAL SERVICE MEMBERS

19 May 2010