Enterprise Bargaining actions

The PSA Change team is already working for members.

One way we are improving conditions for members is through joining current enterprise bargaining negotiations, with the authority given by members for us to act for them.

What does enterprise bargaining mean for union members?

Enterprise Agreements set out conditions of public sector employees in specific agencies and classifications. These agreements are reviewed and negotiated on a regular basis, typically every three or four years. This process is an opportunity for PSA members’ conditions to be updated, including salary, leave, classification and much more. It is the union’s role to meet with representatives, consult with members and represent their interests in a consolidated claim to get the best outcomes possible for members.

Why did PSA Change take action?

We saw the lack of action by the leadership of the PSA and knew members needed another option fast. We heard from members that they were dissatisfied with the PSA leadership. The number one priority for members is clear—a real wage increase and fast.

Time is crucial in enterprise bargaining. It is critical that a clear log of claims is provided to the government quickly to ensure negotiations progress so a wage increase can be secured quickly. That’s why it is so important to take an informed position and fight for members rights when negotiations open, and address every relevant point.

What did the PSA leadership do?

Unfortunately the PSA leadership were sitting on their hands.

For negotiations of the Salaried Enterprise Agreement, the PSA General Secretary Natasha has not provided government with a clear log of claims outlining member needs for over eight months.

That’s eight months of missed opportunity, and potentially eight months of missed increased wages and better conditions.

The solution for members

That’s why PSA Change have stepped up to represent members. Hundreds of PSA members have asked Charlotte and Celia to represent them in negotiations by providing formal authority to do so. We seek an increase of 20%, backdated to October 2024, among other demands. Read more about the Salaried EA claim and how you can join.

Resources

The agreement discussed above is the South Australian Public Sector Enterprise Agreement: Salaried 2021, often referred to as ‘the Salaried EA’. A copy of the current agreement can be viewed on the South Australian Employment Tribunal website.