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The PSA is confident that School Services Officer members employed as casual workers will receive an increase in the casual loading from 20% to 25%. On the application of the PSA the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) has stated they agree in principle to increasing the loading with a phased in increase as follows. The first full pay period commencing on or after:-
1st January 2012 22%
      * 1st July 2012    23%
      * 1st July 2013    24%
      * 1st July 2014    25%
      * The PSA made the application through Unions SA, to increase the rates in Awards in proceedings under the Fair Work Act, to establish a Minimum Standard for Remuneration for casual workers.

In the PSA's submission, it was stated that the rate of 20% was originally set to compensate for annual leave, sick leave and paid public holidays as per clause 5.6.3 and 7.2.1.2 of the School Services Officers Award.

The PSA pointed out additional benefits that PSA has negotiated but are not available to casuals. These include paid maternity leave (up to 18 weeks) in addition to the Commonwealth's Paid Parental Leave Scheme, Family Carers Leave(up to 10 days per annum), Special Leave with Pay, of up to 15 days per annum which includes “bereavement leave”, “urgent and pressing necessity”, “caring for a sick child” and “paternity leave”.

The State Government, who is always a party to such proceedings, through the Minister for Industrial Relations, agreed with the application to increase the loading to 25% and the phasing in arrangements.

The PSA has requested that the government agree to increases for the two categories of SSO employees, “Part-Time Employees” and “Temporary Employees” who as per Clause 5.6.1 and 5.6.2 are paid a loading of 16%.

These employees are not entitled to Recreational Leave, (Clause 7.1.3) and paid public holidays (Clause 7.3.2).

The PSA's position is that there should be a “flow on” of any casual loading decision. PSAs request to government is that Temporary and Part-Time employees also have their loading increased by 5% to 21%.
18% from 1st January 2012
      * 19% from 1st July 2012
      * 20% from 1st July 2013
      * 21% from 1st July 2013
      * This matter was discussed before the full bench of the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) on Wednesday 30 November 2011.

The issue of the allowances for casual, part-time, and temporary School Services Officers has been adjourned. The PSA will advise members of the decision of the full bench of the IRC after it is handed down.

7 December 2011