Tasmanian Health Workers Resume Industrial Action Amid Pay Dispute
Health workers in Tasmania have resumed industrial action as public sector unions claim the state government has not honored a pay proposal. The Tasmanian government denies these claims, asserting negotiations are serious and in good faith.
Public sector unions have been in wage negotiations with the state government for several months. The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) initiated industrial action last week but suspended it after the government indicated it would present an improved offer.
Unions Allege Broken Promise
Unions now contend that the government's latest proposal does not align with the commitment previously made. Union secretary Robbie Moore stated that workers are upset over the situation.
"Workers are upset over the situation," said Union secretary Robbie Moore.
A letter to unions from state service head Kathrine Morgan Wicks on February 16 had indicated the government's willingness to "explore a similar 'packaged approach'" to the three-year agreement reached with the Police Association of Tasmania. This previous agreement included baseline wage increases, allowance adjustments, and offsets. Moore claims the government withdrew from this understanding during a meeting on Tuesday, leading to escalating industrial action.
Comparing Offers: Police vs. Public Sector
David Genford, president of the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Education Union (AEU), expressed disappointment, noting that the offer presented on Tuesday was unacceptable. He highlighted that while the police received a deal that included substantial increases to allowances, the current proposal for other public sector workers is comparatively less.
HACSU, the AEU, and the Community and Public Service Union (CPSU) have been offered 3 percent for the first two years and 2.75 percent for the third year. Unions claim the allowances given to police made their deal equivalent to a 4 percent increase, and they seek similar terms. They also mentioned concerns about back pay being threatened.
Government Denies Claims, Warns on Back Pay
Acting head of the state service, Shane Gregory, countered the unions' claims on Wednesday, stating that suggestions of the government reneging on commitments are "incorrect." He affirmed that negotiations are being approached seriously and in good faith, aiming for an agreement to ensure a salary increase from December 1, 2025.
The Tasmanian government denies suggestions of reneging on commitments, calling them "incorrect."
Gregory indicated that the new proposal includes salary increases, structural reforms, and contemporary working conditions. He expressed disappointment regarding the escalation of work bans, warning that it could jeopardize the offer of back pay if an agreement is not reached by March 31. Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday to continue discussions.