A new wages deal for public sector workers that offers an extra holiday and superannuation payments during unpaid leave had been approved by workers, two months after Business News revealed the public sector union had claimed the deal broke the state government’s pay policy.
About 87 per cent of members of the Community and Public Sector Union, Civil Service Association agreed to the two year deal, which offers an immediate pay rise of $1000 for each employee.
Other bonuses included 12 weeks superannuation on unpaid parental leave, five days cultural leave for Aboriginal employees, an additional public sector holiday which can be taken at any time, and clauses to stop contractors competing with public employees.
In June, Business News revealed the CPSU/CSA had written to members saying nearly every condition it had requested from the government had been met.
“Although it contains the $1,000 pay cap, the conditions achieved in this offer absolutely break wages policy,” the union said at the time.
“The list of improvements below could not have happened without applying significant pressure to government.
“They should never forget that because of us, WA works.”
A spokesperson for Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said at the time that the government did not have a figure on the extra expense of the new entitlements.
Today, Mr Johnston welcomed the vote approving the deal.
"I'm very pleased that CPSU/CSA members have agreed to the new enterprise agreement and this issue is now resolved,” he said.
"Without the public sector our society wouldn't be able to function, so I'd like to thank these workers for their continual efforts and contribution.
"The CPSU/CSA has recognised that the state is in a dire financial situation, however we have worked with the union to introduce some new and improved conditions which has helped us reach this agreement."
