CPSU Members across the Parks & Wildlife Service were rocked last month after the Department of Natural Resources and Environment tore up an in-principle agreement reached in November 2021.
This was a huge step backwards after countless hours of work expended by CPSU Delegates working in good faith with the Department to update an agreement that hadn’t been overhauled in a decade – leading to pay and conditions below the Award and legitimised wage theft.
Workers, fed up with the delays and the disrespect, banded together and voted overwhelmingly for industrial action. Miraculously, just days later, workers received a new offer restoring the conditions initially agreed to in November.
Members have suspended additional actions while they meet to consider and respond to the agreement now on the table.
This is a fantastic example of why we should never back away from taking action when we know that it leads to increasing the dignity of workers and to strengthening our public sector. Often the best thing we can do to defend and strengthen our public sector is to be willing to fight for it.
Meetings will be held in paid time over the coming weeks to explain the offer before a ballot is undertaken. If you work in Parks – check your email for our most recent update with details to register!
