Cabrini has agreed to the operative date of 1 October 2007 for salary increases, which match public sector outcomes, and which maintain higher rates at Cabrini for those members who do not get ADOs. Paid leave entitlements are better than the public sector, with 10 weeks paid maternity leave from 10 March 2008.

Key elements of the agreement include:

• Cut up allowance to be inserted into agreement and indexed each year of operation

• 2 weeks paid paternity leave (1 week from personal leave entitlement)
• 1 week of paid Emergency Services leave with additional leave by mutual agreement
• Cost of police checks and renewals to be met for all existing staff

Thanks to the members on the negotiating team for their assistance in reaching such a good outcome. We also acknowledge the professionalism of Cabrini Health’s negotiating team which assisted in reaching agreement in such a timely manner.

The formal agreement will be circulated for a vote as required by the Workplace Relations Act within the next 2 - 3 weeks, assuming members’ in principle endorsement next week.