PSA MEDIA RELEASE
May 11, 2008
For Immediate Use
Department of Labour Staff Voting To Take Industrial Action

Department of Labour staff are attending meetings throughout the country to vote on taking industrial action.

They’re seeking an improved pay offer and want the system used for setting their pay scrapped because it’s confusing, inconsistent and unfair.

More than 860 workers at the department, who belong to the PSA, are involved in the vote. The action they are voting on includes a strike, on a date to be determined, and a ban on doing unpaid work.

The workers voting on the action include health and safety inspectors, border security staff, immigration officers and industrial mediators.

They’ve rejected an offer of a 3% pay rise and are seeking a 4% increase.They also want their current performance management system replaced with a fair and transparent system for setting their pay.

“Department of Labour staff have lost faith in their performance management system because it’s unfair and doesn’t work,” says PSA National Secretary, Richard Wagstaff.

“They’re being assessed and told they deserve a pay rise of a certain amount but then receive a lower increase.”

“No wonder they’re confused and frustrated and want their performance management system scrapped,” says Richard Wagstaff.

The PSA is seeking the introduction of new salary system in which the pay scales and the salary progression system are fair, transparent and included in the staff collective agreement.

“The Department of Labour staff are fed up with their performance management system because it simply does not work,” says Richard Wagstaff.

“They want a pay system that is fair, easily understood, supports their career development and gives them a say in what they’re paid.”

The meetings to vote on taking industrial action began last week and continue this week. The PSA will be announcing the outcome of the vote later in the week.

ENDS

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