The Minns government in New South Wales has put forward a pay rise offer to more than 400,000 public sector workers, such as nurses, firefighters, prison guards, and Service NSW employees. This proposal includes a total pay increase of 10.5% spread over three years. The government plans to implement a 4% rise in the first year, followed by 3.5% in the second year and 3% in the third, which also includes a superannuation increase.
Paramedics, however, are exempt from this deal as they have already seen significant pay rises in the previous year. Moreover, if inflation surpasses 4.5% in a given year, workers will receive a $1,000 cost-of-living payment. Despite this offer, some unions, like the Fire Brigade Employees Union and the Nurses and Midwives' Association, are aiming for higher pay increases. The government's intention with this offer is to kickstart negotiations with the unions to potentially introduce productivity changes in return for additional pay raises beyond the initial 10.5%.
The government's Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, emphasized that this proposal aims to provide stability for working families in NSW. However, some critics, including Unions New South Wales Secretary Mark Morey, argue that the offer is insufficient in retaining essential workers amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Morey is advocating for a larger base wage increase for workers and criticizing the one-time $1,000 bonus tied to inflation fluctuations. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has criticized the deal, accusing the government of budget mismanagement due to agreements made with unions and highlighting cuts in essential services like healthcare and education.