The Nursing/Midwifery (South Australian Public Sector) Enterprise Agreement 2016: What You Need to Know
If you`re a nurse or midwife working in the South Australian public sector, you may have heard about the Nursing/Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2016 (EA). This agreement sets out the terms and conditions of employment for nurses and midwives in the state`s public sector.
But what exactly is included in the EA, and what does it mean for you? Here`s a rundown of the key points.
Pay and allowances
Under the EA, nurses and midwives are entitled to a number of pay increases over the life of the agreement. The first of these was a 2.5% increase backdated to October 2016, with subsequent increases of 2% in October 2017, 2018 and 2019. In addition, there are a range of allowances available, such as shift allowances, on-call allowances and overtime allowances.
Hours of work
The EA sets out the standard hours of work for full-time nurses and midwives as 76 hours over a two-week period. Part-time nurses and midwives have their hours of work set out in their individual contracts. The agreement also includes provisions for flexible working arrangements, including part-time work, job-sharing, and flexible start and finish times.
Leave entitlements
Nurses and midwives are entitled to a range of leave entitlements under the EA. This includes annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave and compassionate leave. The agreement also includes provisions for carer`s leave, long service leave and study leave.
Professional development
The EA recognises the importance of ongoing professional development for nurses and midwives, and includes provisions for study leave and reimbursement of course fees. The agreement also provides for a range of other professional development opportunities, such as mentoring, coaching and clinical supervision.
Workplace safety and health
The EA includes provisions for workplace safety and health, including policies and procedures to address workplace hazards and incidents. Nurses and midwives are also entitled to personal protective equipment and a safe working environment.
Union involvement
The EA recognises the role of the union in representing the interests of nurses and midwives. The agreement includes provisions for union membership and access to union officials for workplace issues.
In conclusion, the Nursing/Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2016 is an important document for nurses and midwives working in the South Australian public sector. It sets out the terms and conditions of employment, including pay and allowances, hours of work, leave entitlements, professional development, workplace safety and health, and union involvement. For further information and details of the agreement`s specific provisions, nurses and midwives should consult their employer or union representative.
