STOP PRESS: Public sector negotiations breakthrough

Posted on
July 25, 2019
in
Public Sector

Union members stick together and get the public sector wage cap scrapped

YESTERDAY the Premier invited public sector union leaders to a meeting, held at 8.30 this morning, where he tabled a revised offer for a 12-month agreement.

All unions have agreed to take this new offer to members.

The offer delivers a gross increase equivalent to 2.5% for most workers whose salary is up to $80,000 and 2.45% for workers earning above $80,000.

• 2.1% backdated to 1 December 2018
• 0.25% from the first full pay period on or after registration of the agreement
• 0.15% as a cash one-off sign on payment capped at $80,000 with a flat payment for workers above that level

The government expects no trade-offs for this offer.

The Premier said he wanted to “find a way forward” and work positively with us to resolve the next steps - ie the remaining years of our agreement - and described today’s offer as a “sensible reset” where we can now work hard to negotiate an agreement over the next few months, including negotiations on specific conditions matters that aren’t part of this offer.

In terms of arbitration, we're working hard to progress discussions on the terms of reference for referral to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission, but unions and the government agreed the most practical outcome would be to reach agreement in the negotiations over the next few months without resorting to a lengthy and legalistic process of arbitration - but we also agreed that if we can’t get to a negotiated agreement, the TIC will be our option.

Although the same offer has been put to all unions today, each union’s process will be different.

We'll hold meetings across the state so members can hear more about the offer, and a ballot will be sent over the next week asking for members to vote on it so, if you're a public sector HACSU member, keep an eye on your inbox over the next couple of days for info about the member meetings.

This is a very positive development, and HACSU members should be proud of what they've achieved by sticking together - getting the wage cap scrapped!

For more information about this or any other industrial matter, members should contact HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or email assist@hacsu.org.au or complete our online contact form

Public Sector