Media release from the State Services Commissioner

Comment on payments to union members

The State Services Commissioner, Michael Wintringham said today that he supported the decisions of some chief executives to include a lump sum payment in their Public Service collective agreements in order to recognise the value to the department of a constructive relationship with a specific union.

"For example, under the May 2000 Partnership for Quality agreement between the PSA and the Government, the PSA might be heavily involved in working through a department's organisational or service delivery changes. This could result in a more efficient department and better services to the public.

"When bargaining for a collective agreement, the PSA, and other unions, may seek some recognition for their members for their participation in constructive engagement processes in achieving those changes. On occasions, unions may also seek some recognition of the value, to the department, of settling a collective agreement.

"This issue is not new. The Partnership for Quality agreement between the Minister for State Services and PSA was signed on 1 May 2000. The agreement records the Government and PSA's determination to work together to construct a quality Public Service," Mr Wintringham said.

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