AFTER ALMOST A MONTH OF LOW LEVEL INDUSTRIAL ACTION THE GOVERNMENT HAS TODAY INFORMED HACSU THAT THEIR NEGOTIATORS DIDN’T UNDERSTAND THE DEAL.
Earlier today Health Secretary Michael Pervan wrote to HACSU suggesting that there was no deal reached during the negotiations which concluded in February this year.
“It’s extraordinary to suggest that a deal wasn’t reached,” said Robbie Moore, “You walk away from the negotiations with one of three things, a schedule for more meetings, a deal or a disputed outcome. The conclusion on this one was we had a deal.”
All sides were happy that the outcome would be put to Ambulance Tasmania employees; the parties worked constructively to provide savings clauses and to get a fair wages outcome for all Members.
Mr Moore said, “Someone from the Government has subsequently vetoed the deal that was struck at the table, the Government has no credibility on this matter.”
The EBA covers the period from 2014 until 2017, or three years. It provides for an overall 5% pay rise to the majority of staff, that is less than the Government’s 2% per annum wages policy.
The Government now wants to re-convene the negotiations after 4 months of delays to which there has been no explanation.
“Look it’s quite simple, we shook hands on a deal it’s time the Minister stops being a barrier to progress, we challenge him to be the solution, honour the commitments that were made on his behalf and resolve the dispute exactly as it was previously agreed,” said Mr Moore.
ROBBIE MOORE (Acting State Secretary)
