Health and Community Services Union
| Health Professionals Decision Handed Down |
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On April 3, a full bench of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) handed down its decision regarding the Public Sector Health Professionals Arbitrated Case. You can see the full decision on the AIRC website at: http://www.airc.gov.au/decisionssigned/html/2009aircfb353.htm The new agreement will expire on 30 June 2011, 6 months before the Psychiatric Services Agreement.Pay Increase Health Professionals across the sector, including Psychiatric Services will receive a 5.25% pay increase with back pay from 21 November 2008. This includes an additional 2% uplift (from 3.25%) and back pay in recognition of the delay occasioned by the proceedings before making the determination. This pay increase is effective immediately and we will be ensuring that it flows to members as soon as possible. There will be additional pay increases of 3.25% on 21 November 2009 and 6 November 2010. Flexibility Arrangements In accordance with the new modern awards a flexibility clause has been included in the determination. This allows employers and employees to make flexible working arrangements in relation to specific terms of the award, providing the agreement is in writing, signed by both parties and the employee is NOT disadvantaged. Additional leave and allowances Professional development leave has been increased to 5 days per year for full time staff which can be cumulative for up to 2 years. In addition, part-time staff now have access to professional development leave on pro rata basis. Health Professionals have caught up with the rest of the health services and now have access to 10 weeks of paid maternity leave. Staff are now entitled to time off in lieu on a 1:1 basis. In other words, if you work two hours over time you are entitle to two hours leave. It is your choice, that is time in lieu is at the request of the employee. The employer cannot direct you to take TIL instead of being paid overtime. And it should be noted that if you worked 2 hours overtime, you would be effectively paid three hours as you would be paid at 150% of the normal pay rate. Staff working alone on an independent and isolate site now have access to a sole employee allowance. Consultation The determination specifies that consultation with staff is now required if major changes to the workplace occur. In particular staff must be consulted around the elimination and/or diminution of jobs or promotion opportunities, the alteration of hours and/or restructuring of jobs. Progression of Classification It is no longer a requirement for you to gain the recommendation of the ‘chief’ before progressing to the next classification. Instead, staff required to undertake the work of a higher level will automatically be progressed. Reasonable Notice Employers can now direct staff to take leave where they have an excessive amount accrued , however they must give adequate notice (13 weeks was deemed adequate) . In addition, employees are required to provide notice of their intention to resign. Now employees can be docked for the difference between the required notice and the actual notice given. Other noteworthy points:
If you have any questions regarding the decision please don't hesitate to call our Membership Services Team on 1300 651 931. |