The Tasmanian government’s lead negotiator in public sector wage discussions has resigned due to ill health.
Norm McIlfatrick stepped down from the role on Tuesday, Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks confirmed.
Negotiations over wages and conditions for state service workers have been under way for almost a year.
The government has offered a 3% pay rise for a one-year agreement, which many unions have declined.
Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) general secretary Thirza White said members were frustrated with the pace of talks.
“We are almost a full year into bargaining and the government has still failed to address the majority of our claims on conditions,” she said.
White said union representatives had met with employer negotiators who were unable to make decisions at the table.
“Everything is taken on notice. Nothing progresses,” she said.
The union argues the pay offer does not keep pace with cost of living increases or address staffing pressures across public services.
A government spokesperson said negotiations would continue.
“The government is committed to delivering a fair and affordable pay rise, as we have done for police, firefighters and education facility attendants,” they said.
The spokesperson said McIlfatrick had resigned due to ill health and criticised unions for raising the matter publicly.
“It is disappointing that the unions are trying to politicise someone’s health issues,” they said. “Negotiations will continue.”
Morgan-Wicks said scheduled bargaining meetings would continue where possible while new arrangements were put in place.
