As detailed in our previous bulletin, 76 per cent of respondents to our TfNSW Salaries survey have told us they want to accept the Government’s offer, which includes an immediate pay rise of 4 per cent this year.

The PSA subsequently notified the Combined Transport Unions (CTU) and the Government of the members’ acceptance. Other members of the CTU have indicated that they plan on rejecting the offer.

Pay rise at risk

The PSA has signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the rest of the Public Sector, and work will begin to vary those Awards and grant them the immediate pay rise. The acceptance delivers an immediate real pay rise to more than 90,000 workers who make up nearly a quarter of state-employed staff.

The rejection of the offer by other parties puts a pay rise of 4 per cent in TfNSW at risk, as the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) might ultimately determine an amount which could be less favorable than the current offer. Other areas of the Public Sector that are still negotiating have accepted a 3 per cent pay rise this year, below the current offer. It may also delay any pay rise until well in to 2025, with no guarantee of back pay.

Conditions conciliation continues

The PSA does not believe there is any need to delay a pay rise, as the current negotiation on conditions can continue. As there have been 12 negotiation meetings so far, with a pruned Log of Claims from the CTU still totaling approximately 30 outstanding claims, further delay only exacerbates the current cost-of-living pressures for members.

Further hearing today

The PSA and other unions will be appearing in the IRC today in front of the full bench in relation to Awards across the entire Public Sector, including the Transport Awards. We will keep members up to date with developments.