Public sector trade unions reject the government’s proposal for a pay rise

Public sector unions and NSW unions have rejected NSW Labour’s wage offer, saying it will not help retain existing workers or attract new workers who are desperately needed.

The Labor Party announced on May 20 its pay offer for 400,000 public sector workers: 9.5% over three years (4% increase in the first year; 3.5% in the second and 3% in the third), including a pension increase plus compulsory 1% increase. in retirement.

She also proposed a $1,000 across-the-board wage increase if inflation exceeds 4.5%. This number is significantly lower than the log claims of many public sector unions.

New South Wales trade union secretary Mark Morey said on May 20 that the government’s inclusion of pensions suggested that workers were being forced to fund compulsory work entitlement that should actually be funded by employers.

As workers grapple with the “worst cost of living crisis in living memory”, conditions for access to the $1,000 cost of living benefit, based on the Sydney Consumer Price Index exceeding 4.5%, are doomed to failure, it has said .

“Instead, this amount should be included in the basic pay of all public sector employees,” Morey said.

The salary offer applies only to employees whose employment contracts are to be extended. These include nurses, health care workers, firefighters, prison guards, social workers and Service NSW employees.

It is worth noting that trade unions are consulting with their members, and many are already pushing for higher pay rates.

The Fire Brigade Employees Union demands a 20% salary increase within three years.

The Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) is demanding a 15% pay rise plus pension this year.

New South Wales is suffering from a labor shortage after the previous government’s 2.5% wage cap was abolished last year.

New South Wales Nursing and Midwifery Association (NSWNMA) deputy general secretary Michael Whaites said it was seeking a 15% pay rise.

He also demands improved conditions, including a 30% penalty for working night shifts; extension of sick leave to 20 days; 100% remuneration package; an increase in the salaries of midwives working in group maternity practices; better work-life balance with further days off and no changes to published schedules unless consulted.

It also wants funding for appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios in every ward and ward in every public hospital.

“We’re waiting to see how much the government is really willing to bargain,” Whaites said.

NSWNMA general secretary Shaye Candish said the 15% pay rise was “justified and necessary”.

“A committee of our members reviewed strong economic evidence from labor relations and economic experts to reach a compensation proposal that we believe is reasonable and feasible,” she said.

“The rate of pay in this female-dominated workforce has not kept pace with male-dominated occupations.

“If we are serious about eliminating the gender pay gap, if we are serious about ensuring women’s economic security, then increasing the pay of nurses and midwives will go a long way towards achieving these goals.”

The Activist Teachers Network NSW said Labor’s offer of 3.5% a year was “not consistent with the CPI, let alone real inflation adjusted for mortgage and rent increases.

“The $1,000 top-up is an insult. This offer will not keep public servants where they are needed.”

Another public sector employee commented on the government offer: “The 4% is a pay cut due to increases in groceries, bills and rent. This is an insulting offer and it should be an appropriate pay increase above inflation.”