Public Sector workers keep NSW running
It’s been an exhausting couple of years, but even before the pandemic, PSA members were working hard to protect the people of NSW across many different fronts. Public Sector workers have kept the state from falling apart and didn’t complain when faced with extraordinary challenges. There are few who haven’t acknowledged the critical and essential role played by NSW Public Sector workers during the past few years.
The cost of living
The cost of living naturally increases over time, but we are currently experiencing higher prices and inflation is rising faster than for most of the past decade. The current official rate of inflation is 3.5 per cent but the cost of certain items (such as bread, rent, electricity, petrol and healthcare) has risen much faster. The simple fact is that our pay rises are no longer keeping up with inflation.
Public Sector Wages Policy
In 2011, the NSW Coalition Government legislated to keep Public Sector wages down, deciding that 2.5 per cent would be the maximum annual pay rise the Public Sector could claim. The PSA lodges an annual pay claim on behalf of our members, but each year for the last decade, we have been limited, by law, to a maximum of 2.5 per cent.
The effect of inflation and the NSW Government’s cap on wage increases means that the real wages of members have declined. This is compounded by members only receiving a 0.3 per cent salary increase in 2020 after the Government attempted to freeze Public Sector wages.
It is highly unlikely that the current Government will remove its Public Sector Wages Policy.
PSA Wages Claim 2022
A 2.5 per cent pay rise would mean a pay cut in real terms. With inflation running at 3.5 per cent, the PSA will be seeking a minimum increase of 3.6 per cent to members’ salaries.
In addition, we will be seeking payment of superannuation on the unpaid portion of the first 12 months of parental leave for our members.
Members’ survey
We need to know how you feel about this. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey HERE. Completing it will take you less than two minutes. The survey will close on Friday 4 March.
Listen to the PSA Podcast discussing this issue on Facebook HERE. Or search PSA CPSU in your favourite podcast app and subscribe to the PSA Podcast.