The Union received another draft of the Heads of Agreement from the Department of Human Services on Monday.

The number of outstanding matters has been narrowed down errors in the DHS draft relating to shift allowances and annual leave loading. We expect to have these matters settled tomorrow.

The only other remaining issue is the list of employers to which the agreement will apply. We expect that the list will also be finalized tomorrow.

In broad terms the employers who will be bound by the agreement include all public hospitals, public health services and community health services.

We want to assure members that the delays in finalising the agreement have not been of the Union’s making. It is important that the Heads of Agreement reflect the matters agreed, and that the schedule of pay and allowances is accurate, to prevent any disputation.

We understand members’ anxiety and frustration about the fact that the money has not yet flowed to the employers to pay the increases. We are doing our best to finalise the Heads of Agreement.

When the HOA is signed health agencies will be authorized to pay the increases and back pay. Full time members will receive a bonus payment of $1250 (pro-rata for part-timers). IN ADDITION the increases will be back-dated to 1 January 2008.