Last Tuesday, the HSU ACT team spent the day talking to members at Canberra Hospital.

Members said the Territory’s pay offer remains confusing. So, what is the offer? 

The flat pay-rises

The current offer from the ACT Government includes a combination of flat dollar increases and percentage increases. No matter what your classification, every ACTPS employee will receive the exact same dollar increase for the flat increases.

So, if your classification’s salary is $50,000 per year or $100,000, the flat increase will be $1,000.

What is the offer?

The proposed pay increases are:

As the flat increases will affect each classification differently, the table below provides a guide on how the combined annual increase will affect the listed salary amounts:

In addition to the pay increase, the Territory has offered the following as part of the core negotiations:

• The agreements will be for a three-year period to expire March 2026;
• A one-off payment of $1,250 (pro-rata for Permanent part-time and casual employees), payable on commencement of the agreement;
• They will provide two increases to superannuation: the required 0.5% increase from 1 July 2025, and an additional increase of .25% from 1 January 2026;
• An increase of birthing leave from 18 weeks to 24 weeks from 1 January 2023;
• Superannuation payments for workers on paid and unpaid portion of Parental leave following birthing leave will increase from 12 months to 24 months with effect from 01 January 2023;
• Additional conditions that have been negotiated between the unions and the ACTPS that still need to be finalised. This includes paid leave for assisted reproductive leave, special leave for menstrual and menopause symptoms, and expanding flexible working arrangements.

Is this a good offer?

No.

From December 2021 to December 2022 CPI increased by 7.8%. In 2022 ACTPS employees only received a wage increase of 1.35%, as they did not receive the normal increase in December 2022.

To keep up with inflation, ACTPS employees would need a pay rise of 6.45% to take effect on 1 December. The proposed pay rise does not even come close to this!

Members have reported that they appreciate the other conditions on offer but with the cost of living rising at an unprecedented rate, the Territory should be on the front foot to provide a real uplift to wages.

Please provide your feedback on the pay offer to [E-Mail not displayed].

What’s next?

The Territory said this offer was going to be their last but after backlash from unions, core negotiations have continued.

It seems the districts are also seeking to wrap up agreement specific bargaining meetings. 

If you missed our most recent flyer, HSU members have had their claim to match the nurses’ leave entitlements denied. The Health Directorate has advised this is because the cost was too high, and that it isn’t provided in other jurisdictions. All our members are seeking is parity with their colleagues!

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