Earlier today, PSA General Secretary Jan McMahon, Assistant General Secretary Neville Kitchin and Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher attended a Direction's Hearing before the Full Bench of the SA Industrial Relations Commission to further discuss procedures and the setting of Hearing dates for the Arbitration case which will determine the final salary increase and also the amount of Paid Maternity Leave.

On Monday 13 December 2004, the Government opposed the Association's request to consider arbitrating paid maternity leave early in the new year whilst analysis was occurring of 'discovered' documents in relation to wages.

This morning, the Full Bench agreed to the Association's proposal that the Arbitration of Paid Maternity Leave occur separately and at the earliest opportunity. Paid Maternity Leave will be arbitrated in 28 February and the 1 March 2005

Over recent months, the PSA has been inundated with queries and suggestions from pregnant members in relation to Maternity Leave. To assist with case preparation, the PSA would like to hear from pregnant members. Please contact Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Gayle Peak on 8205 3288 or email gp@cpsu.asn.au

In relation to wages, the Association reiterated its position that Arbitration needs to occur in an expeditious manner. The PSA provided the Full Bench with proposed dates for document discovery early next year and a future Hearing schedule for March 2005 for the Wage Case.

The Full Bench will deliver Directions in relation to wages Arbitration in the near future.