WA Medical Officers Agreement: What You Need to Know
If you are a medical officer in Western Australia, it is important to know the details of the WA Medical Officers Agreement (WAMOA) that governs your employment. In this article, we will discuss what WAMOA is, its scope, and the key provisions that you need to be aware of.
What is the WA Medical Officers Agreement?
WAMOA is a collective agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for medical officers working in Western Australia`s public health system. The agreement is negotiated between the Western Australian Department of Health and the Australian Medical Association (WA Branch) on behalf of medical officers.
WAMOA covers medical officers working in various capacities, including permanent, temporary, and casual employees. The agreement also applies to medical officers working in hospitals, health services, and other health-related institutions.
Scope of WAMOA
WAMOA covers a wide range of matters that relate to the employment of medical officers in Western Australia. Some of the key areas covered by the agreement include:
• Salaries and allowances
• Hours of work
• Overtime
• Leave entitlements
• Professional development
• Grievance and dispute resolution procedures
Key Provisions of WAMOA
Salaries and Allowances
WAMOA provides for a set of minimum salaries and allowances that medical officers are entitled to. The agreement specifies the applicable rates of pay for different categories of medical officers, including interns, residents, registrars, and consultants.
Hours of Work
Under WAMOA, medical officers are entitled to work reasonable hours. The agreement specifies the maximum number of hours that medical officers can work in a week, and also provides for rest breaks and meal breaks.
Overtime
WAMOA has provisions for payment of overtime to medical officers who work beyond their normal hours of work. Medical officers are entitled to overtime rates based on their category of employment.
Leave Entitlements
WAMOA provides for various types of leave entitlements for medical officers, including annual leave, personal leave, parental leave, and long service leave. The agreement also specifies the conditions and procedures for taking and approving leave.
Professional Development
WAMOA requires that medical officers undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge. The agreement provides for funding and support for CPD activities.
Grievance and Dispute Resolution Procedures
WAMOA has provisions for resolving disputes and grievances that may arise between medical officers and their employer. The agreement provides for a multi-step procedure for resolving disputes, including mediation and arbitration.
In conclusion, WAMOA is an important agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for medical officers in Western Australia`s public health system. As a medical officer, it is essential to be familiar with the provisions of the agreement to ensure that your employment rights are protected.