SAS Staff NEWS & Pay Victory - 22 September

In January this year the government wanted to negotiate a salaries award that excluded SAS staff. Thanks to strong representation from Sue Walsh, John Cahill, and Steve Turner SAS staff are to gain the same increases as other public sector workers.

In brief, the new award provides for:-

• a 4% increase from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2008;
• a 4% increase from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2009;
• a 4% increase from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2010.

The above award variations will result in a 12.48% compounded increase over three years.

Please also note that the first increase is backdated to 1 July 2008, the expiry date of the previous award.

I believe that the increases in the salaries award are no less than are deserved by hard working PSA members, and are favourable when compared to outcomes achieved by other unions. In addition both our own economic experts in the case, as well as the Government's economic experts, have predicted the inflation rate over the next two years will be in the order of 3 to 3.5%.

This is an outstanding result for SAS staff, particularly considering the Government's initial offer of exclusion. Good on the PSA officials, staff and delegates for a great result.

Sue Walsh
President