Members of Tasmania’s main public sector union have overwhelmingly rejected the state government’s proposed 3% pay rise during a mass online meeting held today.
The turnout of more than 500 members — remarkable for a school holiday period — demonstrates the depth of concern among public sector workers about the government’s approach to bargaining and the urgent need to deliver pay parity with the mainland.
The meeting, convened by the CPSU, gave members the opportunity to discuss the government’s offer and vote on whether to accept it or pursue alternative actions. The result was clear: members are united in their view that the offer is unacceptable.
The CPSU has expressed deep disappointment with the state government’s handling of the PSUWA bargaining process throughout 2025. The union has described the 3 per cent offer as a “take it or leave it” proposition that fails to address the significant wage gap between Tasmanian public sector workers and their mainland counterparts.
Quotes attributable to CPSU General Secretary Thirza White:
“Today’s turnout was extraordinary – more than 500 members came together, during school holidays, to send a clear message to the government: this offer is not good enough. Our members are frustrated and fed up.”
“The No vote today was resounding with 93 per cent of our members strongly indicating they’re prepared to take industrial action if a more respectful and appropriate offer isn’t forthcoming.”
“For years, the government has failed to deliver salary outcomes that keep pace with mainland pay for staff doing the same work. This has left Tasmanian workers undervalued and underpaid.”
“Offering only a 12-month deal is just kicking the can down the road beyond the next state budget. It suggests that even during a deep cost-of-living crisis they’re not prepared to commit to fair wages and conditions. Our members have made it clear today that it’s simply unacceptable.”
“Our members don’t want a roll-over agreement — they want the government to continue bargaining and commit to back pay. This is not an unreasonable ask when every politician recently accepted back pay for their own pay rise of 22 per cent”.
“The chronic staffing shortages across the public sector are a direct result of poor attraction and retention outcomes. Pay rises are desperately needed to fix this crisis and reduce the workload stress that’s burning out our workforce.”
“The government’s approach to bargaining this year has been appalling — our Log of Claims hasn’t been properly considered despite being presented to them back in May. Here we are in October having only had a handful of meetings, with many cancelled, delayed and cut short by the employer. It hasn’t met the basic minimum of good faith bargaining.”
“We’re calling on the government to return to bargaining with people at the table who are able to make decisions, and come back with a serious offer — one that acknowledges and respects the critical work public sector workers do. We need wages that attract and retain the skilled and experienced staff required to deliver the services all Tasmanians deserve.”
CPSU Media Release, 9 October, 2025.