Update on Wage Negotiations (05 Dec 2022)

Dear Colleagues

Following considerable time spent in productive and respectful discussions with unions,  I recently sent out updated formal offers to unions, relating to 10 separate Agreements.

I am pleased that on Friday, unions have responded that they will take these offers to members so they can decide for themselves.

Whilst the headline wages offer remains the same, a significant change is that the Cost of Living/Retention payment in year 1 (initially proposed as a one-off payment) will now be paid into base salary.  This provides an ongoing cumulative benefit to employees.

The Government has listened to the feedback around attraction and retention challenges, the need for improved employment conditions as well as salary increases and additional payments to help support employees on lower incomes over three years.

The wages component of the offer covers agreements relating to the general State Service workforce, Allied Health Professionals, Ambulance Officers, Firefighters, Education Facility Attendants, Port Arthur Historical Site, Ministerial Drivers, Dental Officers and Radiation Therapists.

Further to this, particular occupational groups have been offered a number of conditions specific to their workplaces.

Last week we had confirmation from the Police Association that their members have accepted their offer and Education Facility Attendants have also voted yes, which is very positive!

Both negotiators and unions have been working hard to ensure that employees have access to a pay rise, that will be effective from 1 December and not delayed.  With that in mind, I look forward to union members having the opportunity to fully consider the offers that have been made.

The Premier’s recent media release containing more detail about the offer can be found here.

Best wishes