20 May 2020
As you would have seen in previous updates, after protracted negotiations with the State Government, ANMF (SA Branch) Council met on May 11 to consider members’ preferences on a proposal received from Government.
In line with the unanimous decision of the Worksite Representative Committee and the largest share of members survey responses, the Council determined to conclude an in-principle agreement which retains existing working conditions as well as a two per cent wage increase each year over three consecutive years, backdated from January 1, 2020.
Importantly, we also won an assurance that SA Health will commit to early implementation of violence and fatigue policies throughout the health system, two key issues for members which had led to state-wide campaign action last year.
All this was achieved despite previous demands from the Government for a reduction of night shift from 10 to 9.5 hours; capping of staffing levels; and removal of ‘no forced redundancies’ provisions. They had also opposed any backpay provisions. Members will now receive back-payment to January 1 of this year.
This remarkable success relied on a united position determined by members and strong and effective negotiations from the ANMF (SA Branch) team.
We knew heading into this round of bargaining that we would be facing a much more hostile negotiating environment with the Government determined to undermine the conditions that you have built by your united actions over time.
We want to take this opportunity to provide some background on how we reached this stage in our negotiations. Please take a moment to watch the video below.
You have been extremely successful at advancing your conditions through Enterprise Bargaining Agreement since the first EBA was established back in 1996.
Thank you for everyone’s tremendous effort in reaching this significant milestone. Our common objective of securing your existing entitlements has been achieved.
We have resisted the Government’s attack on employment security and rejected the attempts to introduce provisions for forced redundancy.
We have secured back-payment of your first pay increase by more than four months despite the Government and Department of Health’s resistance.
We have protected your staffing levels and minimum staffing systems and won action on violence and fatigue to keep you safer while at work.
None of this would have been possible without your support for the campaign – particularly those of you who participated in industrial action. Thank you - you should be very proud.
We will continue to work with you and on your behalf and once drafting of the new EBA is finalised, it will be put forward to members as part of a formal ballot process.