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Summer 2006

Public Sector Interim agreement gains support of Government

Public Sector members would be well aware that over recent months HACSU, along with other public sector unions, has lobbied the Government to allow for an interim twelve month agreement whilst negotiations can proceed to address issues relating to pay parity and overhauling the current Award classification structures.

In recent times the Government mantra has been to deliver it's employees pay parity. We saw this in the case of Ambulance, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Prison Officers, andGovernment legal practitioners. It is now time for the Government to turn its attention to the bulk of its workforce and address these issues as well.

The harsh realities for the Government are that it does not only have a problem recruiting and retaining staff in the occupations it has already delivered on parity for but across the board in various other groups. We have highlighted these facts to the Government as well as the need to modernize our award classification structures.

Over recent weeks Delegates were asked to vote on whether an interim agreement containing a 4.5% salary increase should be recommended to members. Delegates overwhelmingly supported this proposal in order that we can get down and resolve pay parity for all workers.

There are some finer points with regard to the Governments offer that need to be finalised and once a final offer has been negotiated with the Government that a full ballot of members will take place. If you have recently changed address you need to let HACSU know in order that you are able to participate in the ballot. You can do this by calling the HACSU Helpline on 1300 880 032.

It is hoped that the ballot will occur over the Christmas period in order that work on parity and classification structures can commence in earnest in the New Year.

It is vitally important that members have input into the process next year. Stay tuned for information on how you can get involved