- Cook Government welcomes the UPFU membership accepting its wage offer
- Almost 90% of public sector workers have accepted the current wages policy
- WA Government continues to bargain in good faith to resolve remaining agreements
The United Professional Firefighters Union of Western Australia (UPFU) has advised its membership has by a majority voted in favour of the wages offer made by Government.
Firefighters will receive a wage increase of $60 per week or 3% per annum whichever results in a higher outcome with backpay to 9 June 2023 and a $3,000 cost of living payment.
Firefighters will also benefit from increased penalty rates in their annualised wage and an increase in the overtime penalty rate to 150%. Compassionate leave for early pregnancy loss, and foster carer’s leave have also been introduced.
During the life of the agreement, firefighters will also receive an increase to employer superannuation contributions equating to 1.5% reflecting the quantum of superannuation guarantee increases.
Negotiated outcomes have now been secured for 43 industrial agreements covering almost 90% of public sector workers under the current wages policy.
Negotiations are continuing with unions covering prison officers and registered nurses.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
“A majority of UPFU members have voted in support of this wages policy offer, joining the majority of public sector workers in Western Australia.
“I commend the UPFU for their resolve and good faith in reaching this outcome and encourage other unions who are yet to accept the current wages policy to do the same.
“The Cook Government continues to engage with unions in good faith and looks forward to securing outcomes for its workforce.”
