Premier Hodgman has refused to rule out standing down and docking the pay of not only nurses but teachers, fire fighters, paramedics, child protection and other workers.
Ms O’Byrne said any worker across Tasmania’s public sector could have their pay docked and be stood down if they take part in lawful industrial action.
Premier Hodgman had his chance to walk away from Health Minister Michael Ferguson’s bullying tactics towards nurses at the Mersey Community Hospital, where nurses’ names were recorded to have their pay docked.
But today in Question Time Premier Hodgman doubled down on his support for Minister Ferguson’s tactics and said they could be broadened to all workers looking for fair pay and conditions.
Deputy Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne said the Hodgman Government had resorted to bullying, threatening and punishing its workforce – instead of negotiating in good faith.
“The Hodgman Government has refused to negotiate in good faith with nurses, teachers, fire fighters, paramedics and child protection workers and is now threatening to take out its frustrations on those workers,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“Who is going to be in the Premier’s sights next? Teachers? Fire fighters? Paramedics?
“Since Premier Hodgman entered the negotiations, things have only gotten worse.
“It speaks volumes about the Premier’s inability to negotiate that he’s already given up and wants to punish workers for taking part in legal industrial action.
“The Liberals have lost control of negotiations with the state’s workers and all they have left is bullying and threats.
“Like all bullies the Premier and his MPs were too afraid to actually debate the actions of Health Minister Michael Ferguson in Parliament.
“The Government should stop its bullying and media tactics and sit down and resolve this ongoing dispute.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Deputy Labor Leader
