CPSU ACT regional secretary Maddy Northam warns workers will leave the ACT. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
The ACT Government’s latest pay offer to its workforce has hit an obstacle with the main public servants’ union announcing it will campaign against it in the upcoming ballot, including potential strike action.
The CPSU’s rejection of the proposed enterprise agreement comes after it polled its members from 20 to 27 July.
CPSU members were asked if they accepted the ACT Government’s offer and 66 per cent voted no.
The CPSU said its campaign would include meetings with workers, conversations in the workplace and potential industrial action.
CPSU Regional Secretary Maddy Northam said members had comprehensively rejected the ACT Government’s updated pay offer.
The new offer maintains a 9 per cent pay increase in equal instalments over three years, with a twice-yearly increase of 1.5 per cent in July and February.
But it also includes a $600 cost-of-living payment if the ACT’s annual CPI reaches 3.5 per cent or higher, increasing to $1000 if it reaches 4 per cent or higher, as well as expanded entitlements.
Ms Northam said the offer was not up to scratch and members would now be running a vote no campaign and encouraging the government to improve its offer.
“Members have been clear that they will not tolerate another three years of below-inflation pay increases that send their families backwards,” she said.
“Public servants still have to put food on the table and pay the rent.”
Ms Northam indicated that the health system in particular could suffer if there was not a better offer.
She said that if the government did not improve the offer, it ran the risk of highly skilled professionals in the health system leaving the jurisdiction for greener pastures.
“Canberrans can’t afford to lose these workers,” she said.
“The government must step up and back their workforce.”
A government spokesperson said the government would not be improving the offer or delaying the vote.
The updated offer was a third and genuine effort to reach a fair and balanced agreement that recognised employees’ important work while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the ACT’s finances.
“We acknowledge and respect the outcome of the CPSU’s member survey. The offer will now go to a formal ballot,” the spokesperson said.
While a majority of CPSU members had rejected the offer, the government had been encouraged by several other unions to put it to a vote.
“We are committed to finalising an agreement so employees can receive the benefits of the proposed package as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“We will continue to engage with employees in good faith and now await the ballot outcome.”
Public servants will receive a copy of the proposed agreement on 12 August to assess ahead of the ballot, which will open on 26 August and conclude at 4 pm on 8 September.
