We lodged your wages and conditions claim some six weeks ago. However, it wasn’t until HACSU contacted government three weeks ago that they wisely thought to set up negotiations with us. We’ve provided them with dates and times when both HACSU and your Dental Officer Sub-Branch representatives are available to meet. Still, today, we’ve had no word from them on when they might be available.

You would know by now the State Government have made wages offers to all public sector workers. The offer falls significantly short of our expectations and, given that we haven’t commenced negotiations on your conditions claim, it’s an offer that we’re unable to put to you.

We met with the Head of the State Service earlier this week, to gain an eleventh-hour agreement on the wages component of our claims. While we are anticipating a revised offer sometime over the next 24 hours, all public sector unions have collectively agreed it can’t wait. We need to act now. You are due a wage increase on 1 December and we cannot be delayed by fruitless, endless negotiation meetings anymore.

If we hear anything from negotiators on your conditions claim, we will let you know. If not, we think it would be fair to assume that, like everyone else, we may need to consider some form of industrial action.

Paramedics, fire fighters, allied health professionals, teachers and most other public sector workers find themselves in a similar position as you.

Keep an eye out for further information and any action over the next week.

Should you need any further information, please contact us via HACSUassist on1300 880 032.