Riverina public servants take industrial action over wage increase demands of five per cent

Riverina public servants have followed their state counterparts in striking on the main streets of Wagga. Here is what they had to say.

About 50 of the Riverina’s Public Service Association members joined their state counterparts across NSW in taking 24-hour industrial action on Wednesday.

Correction officers, fair trade workers, sheriffs, teacher support workers and court clerks joined gathered outside MP Dr Joe McGirr’s office.

PSA striking today in Wagga just some of the scenes of the strike today outside the office of the local member for Wagga @DrJoeMcGirrMPpic.twitter.com/sWRBqLA6iD

— Patrick Morrow (@MrPatrickMorrow) June 8, 2022

It was the first time in 10 years that the PSA took statewide industrial action.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet has said some workers could expect a pay rise of three per cent this year, another 0.5 per cent increase likely next year and a one-off cash payment of $3000.

The Public Service Association is demanding better work conditions and a wage increase in line with inflation of 5.1 per cent.

David Gibbs, a worker for the Department of Fair Trading, travelled from Albury to join the strike.

“We have been backwards for the last 10 years in the government sector and that is why people are going to the private sector because there is more money to be on offer,” he said.

“The three percent rise that was offered and a possibility to rise next year to three and half per cent rise is still not enough.

“As I recall we were only given a 0.3 per cent rise at the start of the pandemic then to get a three percent rise now - that does not match with the current inflation rise.”

Glenn Elliott-Rudder, a central councillor with the union and a sheriff, said: “We want a decent pay rise that will support our livelihoods.”

Glenn Elliott-Rudder, Central councillor of the PSA and a sheriff spoke to the crowd passionately Picture: Patrick Morrow

“The current cost of living is skyrocketing and we need this payrise because we deserve it as we worked throughout the pandemic,” he said.

Suzanne Evans, a Riverina youth justice worker and a centre councillor for the PSA said: “Our work environment is dynamic and the reason why we strike today is because our members are struggling - we turned up in the pandemic and we got thanks from the government but thanks is not enough, we need pay that we deserved”.

“We have young families as members who have mortgages and this increase in pay is greatly needed because of the increase of interest rates,” she said.

Nicole Sachs said her reason for striking was because workers needed “more money in our pockets now”.

Nicole Sachs said she strike today because her pay is going backwards. Picture: Patrick Morrow

The march went along Baylis St to the Union Club Hotel where protesters watched their fellow colleagues in Sydney highlight their grievances.

PSA members marching on the main street of Wagga. Picture: Patrick Morrow

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet addressed the public sector strike in Sydney on Wednesday in a press conference.

“The challenging times that we face require a responsible response,” he said.

“That‘s exactly what’s happened.”

“Everyone across NSW is going through a difficult time,” he said, referring to the interest rate hike.

Premier Dominic Perrottet addressed the public sector strike in Sydney on Wednesday in a press conference. Picture NCA Newswire/Gaye Gerard.

New South Wales has been gripped with industrial action over the first part of the year with nurses and public school and independent teachers also walking off the job, demanding better pay and work conditions.

Dr Joe McGirr, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga said in a statement regarding the strike, “Independent Member for WaggaWagga, Dr Joe McGirr, who is attending parliament in Sydney this week, has no objection to members of the Public Service Association rallying outside his Baylis Street electorate office.

Dr McGirr attended the regional launch of the Public Service Association’s salaries campaign at the Rules Club last month.

He recognises the need to bring this issue to the public’s attention and to lobby the government, for example, with public rallies.

“I am supportive of the workers’ campaign for an increase in wages,” he said.

Dr Joe McGirr said he recognises the need to bring this issue to the public’s attention and to lobby the government, for example, with public rallies.

“Given the cost of living, which is increasing substantially, I think the call for an increase is reasonable.”