NSW Public Workers Accept Government Pay Deal

Public Service Association of New South Wales members have voted yes to the pay rise offered by the State Government, which settles the union's claim for the 2024-25 financial year and the following two years. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents to the PSA's salaries survey accepted the government's offer. Public sector employees will now receive a compounded increase of 11.4 per cent over the three years. The offer: 4 per cent 2024-2025 increase in salaries plus 0.5 per cent superannuation 3 per cent 2025-2026 increase in salaries plus 0.5 per cent superannuation 3 per cent 2026-2027 increase in salaries This offer will be backdated to the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024. Industry-specific deals in excess of this headline figure were negotiated for child protection, NSW Fisheries, NSW Police: special constables and grooms, public sector psychologists, and sheriff's officers. Crucially, the offer includes safeguards against inflation. If the Sydney Consumer Price Index exceeds 3.5 per cent in the second or third year of the deal, it will trigger negotiations for a one-off, non-cumulative, cost-of-living allowance (COLA). If it exceeds four per cent, members will receive a $1,000 taxable, one-off, non-cumulative cost-of-living adjustment payment, plus superannuation. "This was a long and difficult negotiation, but I'm pleased to have achieved a position that has been endorsed by our members," said PSA General Secretary Stewart Little. "Public sector workers are the backbone of the New South Wales economy. Our members are what makes this state tick and yet for a decade under the previous government their contribution was grossly undervalued. "Our members look after at-risk children, they protect our police officers and our natural environment, they provide security at our courts, and hundreds of other crucial services. They deserve every cent of this pay rise. "A three-year deal, with the government's provisions for inflation, gives our members peace of mind. "PSA members are rightly proud of the contributions they make to our state. This deal is, at least, a significant advance toward proper recognition of their value."