The most consistent message we are getting from NTPS employees about the new agreement is: “We are disappointed, but not surprised, that management have failed to improve their offer.”
The most consistent question we are getting is: “Can we really do anything to improve it?”
The way forward: The reality of any serious bargaining campaign is that you only get out of it, what you put in. If we can not demonstrate strong levels of support from a majority of staff for an improved offer, it’s unlikely the employer will change their position. They will only take us as seriously as we take ourselves. Right now through upcoming workplace meetings, we have the opportunity to send a clear and strong message to Government. If you care about the outcome, you need to get involved. If we all do nothing, that’s all we’ll get.
Meeting details coming soon: Your CPSU organisers will be visiting workplaces and holding meetings over the next few weeks. Local details will be posted on our website in the next few days. We will also be emailing members with details.
Survey give deal thumbs down: CPSU’s recent online poll has revealed that 92% of respondents think the current offer is not good enough. Here’s what some members said:
“As a result after 20 years in the NT I'm likely to leave in 2008 as it is now impossible to live and work in Darwin on a NTPS P2 wage; as there is simply nowhere affordable to live on that wage. It’s not even close. The 4% increase would only leave me about $30,000 p/a short of being able to buy somewhere to live! The Commissioner is living in a dream world if he thinks anyone who doesn't already own their own home could continue to live and work in the NT with only a 4% increase.”
“I do not think the wage rise is sufficient as it fails to keep pace with the seemingly non-existent inflation rate. I pay more for fuel and in Alice Springs everything except rocks and sand are freighted. Also I do not see how with the MASSIVE rise in the purchase price of a house, and the MASSIVE rise in rental costs, that living is affordable .I spend half of my fortnightly wage on paying for my house loan. Apparently the acceptable standard is a third.”
CPI: A great deal of information has been put out from the OCPE’s office regarding CPI. After this week’s interest rate hike, Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens said, “By the March quarter of next year, both headline and underlying measures of inflation are likely to be above 3%”.
The Government’s offer:
no improvements in superannuation
modest improvements to work/life balance provision, but no increase in maternity leave
reduction in casual loading.
Join your union - Strength in numbers achieves a better outcome.
All NTPS staff are encouraged to support this campaign by joining the CPSU. If you are not yet a member you can join securely online at https://web.cpsu.org.au/join or by filling out the form overleaf and faxing it to 8981 5085. If you are already a member, thanks for your support and please talk to your colleagues about joining.
