SA:SA union takes budget challenge to court

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2011
SA:SA union takes budget challenge to court

ADELAIDE, Feb 14 AAP - Unionists will rally outside the Supreme Court in Adelaide ahead
of a full court hearing of their challenge to the South Australian budget.

The case, brought by the Public Service Association (PSA), will argue that in handing
down the budget in September, then treasurer Kevin Foley acted contrary to an enterprise
agreement covering public servants.

PSA general secretary Jan McMahon said members had felt betrayed by the state government
since the last budget revealed plans to slash more than 3000 jobs, holiday leave loading
for some workers and long-service leave entitlements.

She said members would rally outside the Supreme Court on Monday ahead of its hearing
to determine whether the Industrial Relations Commission could adjudicate on their complaint
while it was still before parliament.

"This is a protest about the government stripping away long service and recreational
leave and taking away job security," she said.

"It seems that members do feel betrayed by the government with the previous treasurer
Kevin Foley legislating away workers' entitlements that had been negotiated in good faith
... within nine months of a signed and done deal."

The hearing is expected to take about half a day.

If they are successful, the matter will go to the Industrial Relations Commission.

AAP lk/cdh

KEYWORD: PSA

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