Western Australia’s 44,000 public sector staff would get an extra day off each fortnight on top of a 12.5 per cent pay rise under the latest wages offer by the state government.
The nine-day fortnight roster has been put on the table for all sector staff who currently work a standard five-day week, after the public sector union’s preferred four-day work week was rejected.
Staff would be required to work extra time across the nine days to be eligible for the extra day off.
CPSU/CSA acting branch secretary Melanie Bray said the offer was an improvement on what had initially been on the table.
“This second and improved offer for pay and conditions from the government last week would not have been on the table without the hundreds of public sector workers across our state,” she said.
“While this offer has unfortunately not delivered on some of the progressive and important claims of our members, the conversation has well and truly begun.
“We look forward to continuing to progress these items in future rounds of bargaining, and though our collective union efforts continue the fight to improve the working lives of our members who deliver essential services to the state of Western Australia.”
Under the new offer wages would increase 5 per cent this year, backdated to June, 4 per cent next financial year, and 3.5 per cent in year three of the deal.
It is the same offer agreed to by transit officers but remains marginally lower than the union’s first claim of 7 per cent this financial year, and 5 per cent next financial year.
The state government has again rejected an increase in superannuation payments to at least 15.4 per cent, and a co-contribution scheme.
Fixed term and casual employees who work in the public service will be able to apply for permanency after one year of continuous employment.
These and several other conditions will be put to a vote by union members next week, with result due at the end of the month.
Public sector staff have been holding lunchtime protests across the state to apply pressure for improved conditions since June.
