The APS-wide pay offer tabled today falls short of the Community and Public Sector Union's claim, with the union now asking members to have their say on whether the APS-wide offer of 9% over 3 years goes far enough to deliver fair pay for public sector workers.
The pay offer fails to meet the CPSU's endorsed claims of 5% each year or CPI whichever is higher -with the Commonwealth offering 9% over three years: 3.2% in year 1, 3% in year 2, 2.8% in year 3.
The CPSU's negotiating team took this pay claim to the bargaining table that was overwhelmingly endorsed by over 18,000 members. CPSU members will now decide whether this offer is good enough for federal public sector employees.
The union has launched a poll giving CPSU members the opportunity to say whether the offer meets their expectations.
Just last week, more than 15,000 workers voiced their concerns about APSC proposals that would take members' rights backwards, affecting flex time, Christmas closedown, annual leave and working-hours provisions. The union expects public sector workers to send an even stronger message to the government on pay.
The CPSU says it has been ready and willing to bargain since April, with the APSC only commencing negotiations in July.
All public sector workers are encouraged to have their say, but only CPSU members can participate in the CPSU's poll on the pay offer.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO REBECCA FAWCETT, CPSU NATIONAL SECRETARY:
"CPSU members been clear from the beginning of these negotiations: they want to see pay that keeps up with the cost of living, which recognises the essential work they do every day."
"The APS-wide pay offer that has been tabled today falls short of what our members asked for, and what public sector workers deserve.
"This is now in our members' hands. They will decide whether it is good enough, and the union will continue to fight for a pay offer that respects these vital workers, and the important services they deliver to the community."
