SSO Agreement update - ballot ratifies agreement

The Education Department has concluded its ballot of all SSO employees and 97.3% of those who voted have supported the new agreement.

The department and unions have now applied to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) for the final stage of approval, which we hope will occur before the end of the school year. The agreement has been listed for hearing by Commissioner Whelan next Tuesday, December 9.

While we must wait for approval before the agreement can come into effect (and the pay rises flow), the AEU and the department are continuing to prepare to ensure that the salary increase are passed on to SSOs as soon as possible.

Pay increases

When the agreement is approved, the pay rises, backpay and one-off payments will be paid in one pay period. The pay adjustments that will occur are:

• Pay increases from 11 September 2008
• One-off payments ($100, $500 or $1000) where applicable.
• Compensation for delay to increments as a result of the change to a common incremental date in May 1, where applicable.

Agreement implementation

The AEU is preparing an Agreement Implementation Guide to support sub-branches and our Education Support staff (SSO) members.

We are also planning to conduct a series of agreement implementation sessions - you will be notified of the details of scheduled sessions early in the New Year.

Members will be notified directly of any decision by the AIRC if it occurs before the end of the school year. If not, keep an eye on the AEU website.

MARY BLUETT
Branch President

KATHRYN LEWIS
SSO Organiser