Friday 19 September 2025
RSPCA SA is disappointed by the decision of some of our workers to take strike action for two hours
today.
As we do not know how many employees will stop work, we have taken the precautionary measure of
closing our O'Halloran Hill shelter to adoptions and retail customers. This is to ensure resources can be
directed to animal care if needed.
On Wednesday, September 17, we presented our final offer to staff representatives in our Enterprise
Agreement negotiations.
RSPCA SA's offer includes an immediate 6% pay rise for employees who are on minimum award rates
of pay. This pay rise will apply on commencement of the new Agreement. For years two and three of the
Agreement, pay rises will apply to all employees and will be in line with the Fair Work Commission's
National Minimum Wage increase.
This proposed increase to wages is greater than the rate of inflation and represents competitive
remuneration for a charity and not-for-profit that is comparable with like organisations. It is also at or
above the award for the majority of employees with some renumerated twenty percent more than the
award.
In addition to the wage rise, we are offering a range of improvements to conditions.
We believe this is a fair, competitive and positive offer that balances the feedback we have received from
employees with our fiscal responsibilities.
While we welcome the much-needed increase in State Government funding, RSPCA SA is dealing with
an unprecedented level of demand for our services.
Last financial year we received 5125 cruelty reports - the highest in seven years. Inspectors seized 2045
animals in FY 24/25, up a staggering 100% on the previous financial year.
The $16.2 million additional State Government funding over four years was granted to the RSPCA for
the specific purpose of increasing Inspectorate numbers in order to meet the increasing numbers of
cruelty reports and must be allocated as such.
Our final offer to employees is the culmination of a two-year engagement process of extensive
consultation and constructive discussions conducted in good faith to work towards a resolution.
While we respect and support the right to take industrial action, we are concerned this has taken place
before the outcome of the vote is finalised.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to our volunteers and staff who are working hard to ensure
the care of our animals is not affected during today's strike action
