11 March 2019
Another two EBAs for general dentists approved by Fair Work Commission
More milestones reached
The Fair Work Commission has approved another two 2018–2022 EBAs for general dentists. This milestone follows the first EBA for general dentists employed in public hospitals approved last month - a process we started in 2017! Another milestone, another step towards achieving the respect, recognition and reward for public sector dentists. Thank you to all members for your patience and perseverance in achieving this major goal!
Who is covered by these EBAs?
One EBA covers general dentists employed at five Victorian public hospitals:
- Albury Wodonga Health
- Ballarat Health Services
- Seymour Health
- Swan Hill District Health
- Wimmera Health Care Group
Another EBA covers general dentists employed at three community health centres:
- Nillumbik Community Health Service
- North Richmond Community Health
- Sunraysia Community Health Services
When do these EBAs become effective?
These EBAs will operate from 25 April 2019. Employees can expect any back pay that is owed to them, and to move to their new pay rate, from the first pay period after this date.
What are the employment entitlements in the new EBAs?
- A four-year agreement, which applies from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2022
- Pay increases of six per cent per annum in the first two years and three per cent per annum in years three and four of the agreement
- Back-pay to 1 July 2018 based on salary increases provided in the agreement
- $2000 sign on bonus (pro rata for part-time employees, not payable to casuals)
- Uplift payments for all level 3 employees and employees at level 4a
- Introduction of hybrid clinical and managerial positions to acknowledge the additional responsibility and work these roles involve
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
What is the status of EBAs for dentists employed in community health centres?
Another EBA covering four CHCs was filed with the Fair Work Commission in March 2019 and we are awaiting a response. These CHCs are:
- Central Bayside Community Health Service
- cohealth
- Latrobe Community Health Service
- Link Health and Community
The following nine CHCs have accepted the agreement and will proceed to an EBA ballot soon:
- Access Health & Community
- Connect Health & Community
- DPV Health
- EACH
- Inspiro Community Health
- IPC Health
- Merri Health
- Star Health
- Your Community Health
The EBA for CHC employed dentists is yet to be accepted by two CHC employers. Despite the guarantee of state government funding, these CHCs, DHSV and the Department of Health and Human Services have not resolved the funding issues to provide their employee dentists with the same conditions as hospital dentists:
- Banyule Community Health
- Sunbury Community Health
We appreciate that this has been a very frustrating process for some of our members, and we thank you for your patience. We will keep all members updated as negotiations progress.
