The department that provides the federal government with advice on enterprise bargaining and wages policy is the latest to join the Australian public service fight for more pay amid a widening union campaign.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) on Thursday said it had applied for a Protected Action Ballot on stoppages and strikes for staff in the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR).
It comes after the CPSU on Wednesday announced members in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Fair Work Ombudsman had joined the union’s campaign to ratchet up the APSC’s offer of 11.2 per cent over three years.
The APSC put forward the revised pay rise on August 29, representing a 0.7 per cent increase from the first offer of 10.5 per cent, which had been rejected by union members.
The current offer stands at a 4 per cent increase in the first year, 3.8 per cent in the second year, and 3.4 per cent in the third year.
But it’s left the union cold, with the CPSU saying it wants 20 per cent over three years.
Union members in DWER, Fisheries and the fair work Ombudsman will vote on protected industrial action, including work restrictions, stoppages, and strikes of up to 24 hours.
A 24 hour strike by Services Australia staff is scheduled to go ahead on October 9.
CPSU National Secretary Melissa Donnelly says the union will continue to work with members across the APS to increase pressure on the government.
“The conditions package that has been negotiated contains industry-leading working from home rights, an increase to casual loading, significant improvements to paid parental leave and enhanced job security provisions,” she said.
“But APS employees have been clear in communicating that they want to see the government improve the pay offer.
“The CPSU wants to see a package on the table that APS employees can proudly get behind, and we believe the government want that too. “
Public service minister Katy Gallagher said earlier this week that 11.2 per cent was an affordable and reasonable offer. The government wanted to work reach a resolution over pay as soon as possible, she said.
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