PSA WAGE CAMPAIGN VINDICATED

The Public Service Association has been vindicated by an Industrial Relations Commission decision for the State Government to resume negotiations over the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for South Australia's 26,000 Public Sector workers.

PSA believes the ruling today by Deputy President Hampton is a victory for common sense as the IRC has recognised attempts by the PSA to negotiate a fair and reasonable outcome have been stonewalled by the Industrial Relations Minister Michael Wright.

Deputy President Hampton's detailed judgement acknowledged there was a possibility the EB claim could be successfully resolved through negotiations between PSA and State Government, without the need for the IRC to arbitrate.

The decision will clear the path, following negotiations, for PSA members to be balloted on whether they will accept the Government's pay offer.

PSA General Secretary, Jan McMahon says “PSA has been trying to negotiate the wage claim since December last year.”

“In that time, the PSA has met with Minister Wright only twice. The last meeting was in January.”

“All other meetings to discuss the claim have been held between PSA and senior representatives from the Department of Administrative and Information Services.

“The IRC has recognised those negotiations may yet be successful if there is genuine interest on the part of State Government in settling this claim.”

“PSA now hopes the Minister will finally get the message that he needs to sit down with PSA to talk about these issues and help to resolve this dispute to the satisfaction of the 26,000 Public Sector workers covered by this agreement.”

PSA Worksite Representatives will meet on Friday to discuss the implications of the decision.

DP Hampton's decision is available at : http://www.industrialcommission.sa.gov.au/ezi_pdf/2004_saircomm_27.pdf

10 June 2004

PSA Chief Industrial Officer, Peter Christopher Ph: 8205 3200; Email: pgc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR YOU