1300 322 917
Public Sector Wage Outcomes
VAHPA Members achieved an impressive wage outcome during the most recent round of public sector negotiations.
The extent of these outcomes may not be immediately apparent to members for a number of reasons, including significant changes to the salary schedules, the timing of wage increases, the effect of the uplifts and the impact of compounding.
The following information seeks to provide a clear and accessible overview of the wage outcomes for the majority of public sector Allied Health Professionals.
It is important to note that these numbers are only relevant to those Allied Health Professionals whose wages are determined by the General AHP1 salary schedule—some 95% of AHPs. If you are not part of this group, for instance, if you are a Radiation Therapist, a Biomedical Tech or a Research Tech, feel free to contact us for further clarity on the outcomes as they pertain to your profession.
So how much did we actually get?
Grade 1 Year 7 AHPs are currently on a base full-time wage of $70,332; by 01 November 2019 this figure will be $81,505. That is an increase of $11,173 or 15.89% over the life of the agreement.
Grade 2 Year 1 has been removed from the new salary schedule and the increments renumbered. The top increment is now Grade 2 Year 4. AHPs at the top of Grade 2 are currently on a base full-time wage of $81,145; by 01 November 2019 this figure will be $93,743. That is an increase of $12,598 or 15.53% over the life of the agreement.
Grade 3 Year 4 AHPs are currently on a base full-time wage of $93,331; by 01 November 2019 this figure will be $107,523. That is an increase of $14,192 or 15.21% over the life of the agreement.
Currently there are no yearly increments for Grade 4 AHPs. The new agreement sees 4 yearly increments brought into the Grade 4 structure. Current Grade 4 staff will translate to either Grade 4 Year 3 (for those in their first year as a Grade 4) or Grade 4 Year 4 (for those who have been classified at Grade 4 for over 12 months). Grade 4 AHPs are currently on a base full-time wage of $105,153; by 01 November 2019 those at the top of Grade 4 will be on a base full-time wage of $125,548. That is an increase of $20,395 or 19.40% over the life of the agreement.
The new General AHP1 salary schedule also sees the introduction of Grades 5, 6 and 7. At this stage these Grades are only relevant to Allied Health Managers (previously referred to as Chiefs), Deputy Directors of Allied Health and Directors of Allied Health.
Those who translate to Grade 5 (see p. 150 in the new agreement for translations) are currently on a base full-time wage of $125,261; by 01 November 2019 these employees will be on a base full-time wage of $141,664. That is an increase of $16,403 or 13.10% over the life of the agreement.
AHPs who translate to Grade 6 are currently on a base full-time wage of $136,012; by 01 November 2019 these employees will be on a base full-time wage of $153,823. That is an increase of $17,811 or 13.10% over the life of the agreement.
AHPs who translate to Grade 7 are currently on a base full-time wage of $152,087; by 01 November 2019 these employees will be on a base full-time wage of $172,010. That is an increase of $19,923 or 13.10% over the life of the agreement.
Back pay and sign-on bonus
Employees who were working in the public sector at 01 January 2016 will also receive a sign on bonus of $1561 (pro-rata for part timers). Employees will also receive backpay from the date the agreement comes into force to the date of in-principle agreement, which is the first full pay period on or after 04 August 2016.
A Good Campaign
These outcomes compare very favourably to those achieved by other health unions. The reason we were able to achieve such a good outcome comes down to two basic facts: firstly, the Andrews state government, recognising the importance of allied health professionals, were willing to bargain in good faith and to support many of our claims. Secondly, and more importantly, VAHPA members ran a fantastic campaign—we put well developed and compelling arguments to justify our claims, we worked together in a smart, coordinated way, we were visible, collectively we held the line and, crucially, members were engaged and took to the streets where necessary.
VAHPA members should be proud of this outcome and the benefits that will flow to allied health professionals and all Victorian patients over the coming years.
More Info Coming
We are currently working on a number of posters that will help your colleagues understand that these outcomes are not gifted to workers by benevolent bosses but are the product of your work and your willingness to put your hand in your pocket for the benefit of everyone… keep a look out for these posters and get them up when they arrive.
VAHPA is a democratic collective of allied health professionals working together to ensure that allied health jobs are good jobs and that the care we give is as good as it can be!
Finalisation of the Agreement
At this stage there is still no clarity on when the agreement will be put out to ballot. Unfortunately, this is out of our hands and the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly. We will let you know details as soon as they are to hand.