Public Sector Workers in Tasmania Demand Better Pay and Conditions

Strategic Insights -

Launceston and Hobart are gearing up for stop-action protests, following similar demonstrations in Burnie and Devonport on October 28, where about 1000 public sector workers, including education staff, health workers, and library staff, gathered to reject the latest government pay and conditions offer. The offer, which includes a 3% raise, has been deemed "like Groundhog Day" by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), as it is virtually identical to the offer voted down by members just two weeks ago. The CPSU is questioning the government's commitment to good faith bargaining, citing cancelled and rescheduled meetings, and a lack of decision-making authority at the negotiating table.

Key Takeaways:

  • A stop-action protest is scheduled to take place in Launceston on October 29, and Hobart on October 30, with a similar turnout of members expected at the Civic Square in Launceston.
  • The strike action is expected to cost Tasmanian children 113,000 hours of learning over three days, with schools closing until 11am.
  • The CPSU is accusing the government of lacking good faith in negotiations, with cancelled and rescheduled meetings, and a lack of decision-making authority at the negotiating table.
  • The 3% raise, which is only for 12 months, is seen as insufficient to address the cost-of-living crisis and bridge the gap between Tasmanian and mainland wages.
  • Education Minister Jo Palmer has urged the unions to return to the negotiating table, but the CPSU remains committed to their demands for better pay and conditions.
  • Parents and school kids are feeling the impacts of the industrial action, with schools closing until 11am and limited staff present to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.

Statistics:

  • 1000 public sector workers participated in the demonstration in Burnie and Devonport on October 28.
  • 113,000 hours of learning are expected to be lost over three days due to the strike action.
  • 3% raise offered by the government, which is only for 12 months.
  • Schools in Launceston, Hobart, Burnie, and Devonport are participating in the stop-action protest.
  • Limited staff will be present at schools affected to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.

Sources:

  • [1] CPSU spokesperson (no date):

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) members in Deloraine protested demanding better pay and conditions for public service workers.

  • [2]

Launceston is primed to follow suit with a stop-action on Wednesday, October 29, and Hobart also on Thursday, October 30.

  • [3]

The stop-works were scheduled to take place until 11am.