More than 500 Tasmanian public sector workers have voted to reject the state government’s 3% pay rise, joining police and health workers in turning down the offer.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) held a mass online meeting on Wednesday, with 93% of members voting no to the proposed wage increase.
The turnout was described as “extraordinary” given it fell during school holidays.
The CPSU’s Thirza White said members were “frustrated and fed up” with the government’s approach to bargaining.
“The no vote today was resounding with 93% of our members strongly indicating they’re prepared to take industrial action if a more respectful and appropriate offer isn’t forthcoming,” she said.
The union represents workers across Service Tasmania, Parks and Wildlife, Community Corrections, schools, child safety services, health facilities and prisons.
Members have expressed concern about the growing wage gap between Tasmanian public sector workers and their mainland counterparts doing the same jobs.
The 12-month deal has been criticised as “kicking the can down the road” beyond the next state budget.
“Our members don’t want a roll-over agreement,” White said. “They want the government to continue bargaining and commit to back pay.”
The union has also slammed the government’s bargaining process, saying their log of claims submitted in May hasn’t been properly considered.
“Here we are in October having only had a handful of meetings, with many cancelled, delayed and cut short by the employer,” White said.
“It hasn’t met the basic minimum of good faith bargaining.”
The CPSU joins the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) and the Police Association of Tasmania in rejecting the offer.
White linked poor pay to chronic staffing shortages across the public sector.
“Pay rises are desperately needed to fix this crisis and reduce the workload stress that’s burning out our workforce,” she said.
The union is calling on the government to return to the negotiating table with decision-makers present and deliver a serious offer.
“We need wages that attract and retain the skilled and experienced staff required to deliver the services all Tasmanians deserve,” White said.
