The CPSU will continue its fight for pay equity within the APS, with the union’s negotiating team to table its bargaining pay claim today. The pay claim is set to strengthen the pay and conditions for public sector workers and lift the wages of the lowest-paid public sector workers, building on the gains secured by the union in the first round of bargaining.
The union says decades of fractured agency bargaining created huge pay disparities in pay rates between different agencies, with pay gaps of up to 38% for some public sector employees performing work at the same classification.
In the last round of bargaining, CPSU members won progress on pay equity that delivered significant pay lifts for those at the bottom. For example, in Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL), members received a boost of up to 15% on top of the 11.2% pay rise that all members received, and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Studies (AITSIS) received an increase of up to 11% on top of the 11.2% pay rises.
In the claim strongly endorsed by CPSU members, the union is seeking a pay increase of 5% per annum or CPI – whichever is higher – adding the Government needs to be a model employer with pay arrangements that will further protect public sector workers from cost-of-living pressures and unexpected hikes.
The pay claim being tabled will also include:
- a top of the range payment, to provide financial recognition for employees at the top of their classification range
- measures to attract and retain specialists and professionals, including clearer career pathways
- no qualifying period for higher duties allowance, making sure staff performing at a higher level are paid appropriately.
- improved public sector superannuation
Last week, the CPSU presented claims on First Nations employment, cultural and ceremonial leave, NAIDOC leave, cultural awareness training, National Anti-Racism Framework and superannuation.
With the Government set to review the union’s pay claim and respond in the coming weeks, the CPSU has its sights set on campaigning to winning a fair outcome for its members that addresses cost of living pressures.
