Industrial action by public servants is being stepped up as the government stands firm on its two per cent wage rise cap.
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Premier Will Hodgman said public servants had been offered a “reasonable and affordable” pay rise.
“We’re critical of union leaders wanting to encourage Tasmanian workers in the state service, whether in our schools or hospitals from withdrawing services they need,” he said.
“I think all Tasmanians would expect our state service to be operating as efficiently and as effectively as it can and they are all matters that are up for negotiation at any time.”
In a letter to Mr Hodgman, Community and Public Sector Union secretary Tom Lynch said further industrial action would continue.
“Some of your Ministers have been expressing surprise that union members within their portfolios are taking industrial action,” he said.
“Perhaps you should let them know that public sector workers have warned you for months that an escalating program of action would be implemented if continued to treat them with disrespect and undervalue their work by refusing to scrap your 2 per cent wage cap and begin to bargain in good faith.”
Mr Lynch and Police Minister Michael Ferguson clashed over forensic scientists refusing to calibrate 10 per cent of all breathalyser units.
Mr Ferguson said “road safety compromised by union drunk on conflict” but Mr Lynch said the scientists felt “disrespected and undervalued” and there would be no impact on public safety.
The stepped up industrial action includes union members working in Libraries Tasmania banning answering phones outside of normal library operating hours and not charging the public for photocopying or printing.
Ministerial drivers will be wearing a red campaign tie as part of their uniform and enforce the award entitlement to meal breaks.
Worksafe Tasmania employees will not issue infringement and improvement notices and those in the Launceston office will close the office between 1pm and 2pm daily.
Union members in Mersey Hospital operating theatres will not perform elective surgery on education days on November 9 and December 14 between 8.30am and 12 noon.
At the North West Regional Hospital operating theatre, members will not do forced overtime by reducing the number of afternoon surgeries if morning cases have run longer than the time allocated.