More than 92% of Tasmanian police union members have rejected the state government’s offer of a 3% pay rise.
Almost 1,000 of Tasmania’s 1,500 officers took part in a week-long survey run by the Police Association of Tasmania.
The government’s proposal includes a 3% wage increase over 12 months, with what the union says are no improvements to working conditions.
Police Association president Shane Tilley said the result sent a strong message of unity among members.
“The significant response and the large proportion of members who voted against the offer indicate the strong commitment and unity of our membership to continue to work towards pay parity with our interstate colleagues,” he said.
Tilley said Tasmanian officers earn more than 16% less than the national average and feel let down by those elected despite widespread community respect.
“Our members are respected by the community but undervalued by the government,” he said.
The association will formally reject the offer early this week but remains open to further talks.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the wage offer on September 11, describing it as “fair, reasonable and affordable”.
The offer applies to all public sector unions, covering 16 industrial agreements and most of Tasmania’s 36,000 state service employees.
Rockliff said the 3% increase was well above Tasmania’s annual inflation rate of 1.7%.
The Police Association had earlier criticised the government for dismissing their log of claims before it was even submitted.
The union has also raised concerns about workforce pressures, with around 16% of Tasmania Police officers currently on workers’ compensation and roughly 100 leaving each year through resignations and retirements.
The government’s offer to all public sector unions closes on Thursday.
Tilley said police would continue pushing for a fair deal.
“As always, the Police Association is ready and willing to negotiate a fair deal for police in Tasmania,” he said.
