A message from the General Secretary | Public Sector Review | December 2023

A message from the General Secretary Natasha Brown

THE STRONGER OUR MEMBERSHIP -THE STRONGER OUR NEGOTIATING POSITION

The PSA is a diverse union covering an extensive range of occupations across all areas of our state public sector. As well, the departments, agencies and workplaces we cover range from very small to very large. This diversity brings challenges –but it also provides us with great power, strength and opportunities.

We are at our strongest when we bring the voices from all parts of our union together in a collective chorus for a common cause. The strength of our diversity comes from the many different ways individual members, and groups of members, can contribute to our common objectives.

It is no secret that workplaces which are well organised, with high PSA membership and strong workplace structures, tend to be where members most consistently achieve the best outcomes.

We have many powerful worksites where almost every single eligible worker is a committed PSA member; at other sites there are still some workers who have not yet joined the PSA. Many workplaces have an active PSA Worksite Representative, with multiple Worksite Representatives at some of our larger sites; other workplaces may not currently have a Worksite Representative.

Making sure your workplace has high levels of union membership, has active worksite representation, and is organised, is crucial for achieving successful outcomes.

The work of a union is always demanding and multi-faceted, but at all times we must remain focused on what is important to PSA members and what members need –now and into the future.

This is what drives us in all our union work. It is also why it is so important for us to have a structured plan in place so we are fully prepared for the salaried enterprise agreement negotiations coming up later next year.

Our salaried enterprise agreement plan is firmly based on building the strongest possible foundation for ensuring PSA members’ voices are heard, and for ensuring the best possible outcomes for members.

Before negotiations begin we need our membership to be strong, committed and ready. The salaried agreement covers some 45,000 public sector workers. Imagine for a moment the power we would have at the negotiating table if every single one of those workers was a PSA member. The formula is simple: the stronger our membership – the stronger our negotiating position.

Early next year we will be surveying PSA members, and holding PSA member meetings. These will be opportunities for members to directly contribute your priorities for the next agreement. Members’ priorities will be refined and consolidated into a proposed PSA negotiating position; this will be considered by our PSA Worksite Representatives mid next year and then put to the PSA Council for endorsement. Our democratic union processes will ensure that our negotiating position reflects the priorities and aspirations of PSA members.

We expect negotiations to begin in September 2024. This is the earliest time negotiations can start under the terms of the current agreement.

In the meantime, I can assure members that every time I meet with Ministers and MPs I consistently emphasise the onerous cost of living pressures facing PSA members.

The government is fully aware that the PSA will be approaching the negotiations with a view to ensuring PSA members are remunerated in a way that respects and rewards the important work you do, and recognises your unwavering commitment to serving the South Australian public.

We all have contributions to make for the success of our union. We are a member driven organisation, and this requires all of us to take responsibility and play our respective roles. All members can contribute ideas, attend meetings, ask colleagues to join you in your union, and support your Worksite Representatives.

Worksite Representatives can co-ordinate meetings, encourage members to contribute, ensure everyone in their workplace is a PSA member, express the collective views of members in their workplace, and work together with other Worksite Representatives and their Organiser.

Our PSA staff work with members and Worksite Representatives to ensure members’ voices are heard. In relation to the salaried agreement, this means our negotiating team can take a strong stance in negotiations knowing they are advocating for matters that are important to members, and that members are willing to actively demonstrate support for the PSA’s negotiating position when required.

As 2023 draws to a close, would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members for your commitment throughout the year, thank all our Worksite Representatives for your selfless dedication, and our staff for their hard work for members. Thank you, especially to those members working through what is a break for many, keeping our state running and keeping us all safe.

I’m looking forward to tackling next year. We have a plan. We will be ready.