United Voice News
Union calls for budget surplus to fund pay increases
LHMU has called on the state government to use some of the expected $400 million surplus to give a pay rise to cleaners of government buildings and low paid government workers.
“Today’s announcement by Troy Buswell that he expects a budget surplus of $400 million proves that the government can afford the cleaners’ pay rise,” said LHMU secretary Dave Kelly.
“$400 million is not an insignificant sum of money. The only thing preventing the cleaners from getting the pay rise they deserve is the bloody-mindedness of the Liberal politicians who stand in their way.
The pay rise, which would cost around $4 million to implement, was promised by the Labor government prior to the election and cancelled by Troy Buswell when the Liberals took office.
“On top of this, the government wages policy, which has capped public sector wage increases at 2.5%, 2.5% and 3% over the next three years, needs to be reversed. This policy is designed to ensure the working poor remain just that,” Mr Kelly said.
“The state government must stop deliberately targeting low wage workers in their attempt to keep the budget in surplus.
“These workers are among the lowest paid workers in our community. Many of them are already struggling to afford the soaring cost of living in WA.”
It must be remembered and the responsibility that lies with this knowledge, that it is the OH@S Conditions and Pay Claims won by Blue Collar Workers in Government Agencies that sets the precedent and bench mark standard for the wider private sector industry , over the fullness of time.Pay Conditions and OH@S standards that have sadly dropped in recent times.
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