Negotiations have stalled.  PSA members rejected the government offer made on the 10th February which provided for 4% per annum up to equivalent of ASO3 and 3.5% for ASO4 equivalent and above and 8 weeks paid maternity leave.

The Minister for Industrial Relations has now stated that this was the Government's final offer.  The Government continues to state that they believe their offer is fair and reasonable.  Members totally reject this.

Today at the SA Government Wages Parity Enterprise Bargaining Single Bargaining Centre (SBC) meeting PSA members asked Government representatives to put the offer to the vote of employees.  The PSA's position was supported by the Employee Ombudsman representative.  The Government's response was to say that they would not be prepared to put the offer to ballot unless the PSA supported the offer.

As PSA members have rejected this current (final) offer, the PSA will not be supporting the offer if it goes to ballot.  It will be up to the Government to convince employees that their offer is fair and reasonable.

Jan McMahon, General Secretary, offered to organise meetings for Minister Michael Wright and Government representatives to allow them to speak to PSA worksite representatives and promote their offer to PSA members.  PSA members are more than willing to discuss the "final" offer with the Minister directly.

The PSA believes that if the Government is serious about their offer being fair then it needs to be tested in the proper manner and all employees provided with an opportunity to vote on the offer.

Should you have any queries please contact Gayle Peak Acting Chief Industrial Officer

27/04/04