HACSU members across Tasmania have overwhelmingly rejected the Rockliff government’s one-year 3% wages offer, describing it as insulting, disrespectful, and out of touch with the reality facing health and community services workers.
At membership meetings held statewide, members voted decisively against the offer and in favour of taking industrial action should the government fail to deliver a fair deal.
HACSU State Secretary Robbie Moore says members have run out of patience with Jeremy Rockliff’s refusal to come to the table in good faith.
“Our members are the people who keep Tasmania’s vital services running. From hospitals and ambulances to mental health and community services, they’re on the frontline every day keeping Tasmanians safe and supported. For the government to present this ‘first and final offer’ that devalues their work is a disgrace.”
HACSU has also condemned the government’s threats to withhold back pay if workers reject the offer.
“Trying to strong-arm workers with threats is unacceptable. Jeremy Rockliff stood up in parliament and promised to negotiate in good faith. Instead, he’s delivered an ultimatum. That’s not negotiation, that’s bullying,” Mr Moore added.
Members are now preparing to escalate their fight, with HACSU delegate committees and sub-branches finalising industrial action plans which will roll out in the coming weeks if the government does not put forward an offer that values and respects workers.
“The responsibility for avoiding industrial action sits squarely with Jeremy Rockliff. He has a choice to make – respect and value the people who keep Tasmania’s health and community services running or push them into action.
“Workers aren’t asking for the world. They’re asking for fairness, respect, and recognition of the critical work they do every day. If the Premier isn’t prepared to make a decent offer, workers are ready to stand up and fight,” Mr Moore says.