APPENDIX I
PRESS RELEASE
Mr. Martin Rowlands, the secretary for the Civil service, today expressed grave concern at the decision by the Association of Assistant Social Welfare Officers to commence a series of strikes from next week.
2.
Referring to his announcement on November 16th of Government's intention to appoint a Standing Salaries Commission Mr. Rowlands said :
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During the past six weeks, while we have been consulting staff associations on the terms of reference and composition of the new Commission, I have taken great care not to make any public statements which would aggravate outstanding disputes within the Civil Service or which might compromise the position of the Standing Salaries Commission. I regret that the decision of the Association of ASWOS to embark on a series of strikes puts me in a position where I must condemn 'their intended action."
For them to take strike action when it has been announced publicly that the new Commission is expected to start work next month must be interpreted as an attempt either to ignore the Commission or to intimidate it."
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Strike action at this time would be a disservice to the welfare profession. Above all it would reduce the
provision of welfare services to needy members of the community."
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I regret that if the ASWOS do take strike action they will be forcing the Government to consider stopping the pay of those officers who perform no work."
3.
A Government spokesman explained that the ASWOS had made two demands. Their first demand was for an immediate improvement of working conditions and promotion prospects.
4.
On this first demand Mr. Rowlands today said, "It is the Government's view that the 1979 regionalisation of welfare services, and their continued expansion, will enhance promotion prospects, Moreover the Director of Social Welfare has assured the staff that before April 1980 he will review their rank structure, so providing an opportunity for further improvements to the career package should these be necessary. I see no possible justification for the ASWOS to take strike action in relation to their first demand."
5.
The ASWOS' second demand was for an increase in their maximum salary from $4,435 to $5,865 a month, that is an increase of $1,430 per month.
6.
Mr. Rowlands said today, "I told the ASWOS in October 1978 that the largest increase I was able to offer at the top of the scale was $890 a month. But I made it clear that if the ASWOS accepted this offer they would still be free to argue their case afresh with the Standing Salaries Commission. is still open."
My offer
Civil Service Branch
5th January 1979