Gunner hands ultimatum to public service executives

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has given recalcitrant public service executives an ultimatum — sign up to his three-year pay freeze now or cop a four-year freeze later

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has given public service executives a pay freeze ultimatum

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has given recalcitrant public service executives an ultimatum — sign up to his three-year pay freeze now or cop a four-year freeze later.

In a letter sent to public servants on executive contracts, Mr Gunner laid out the terms of his deal.

Those who don’t sign up to the “voluntary” pay freeze before August will either not be offered another contract with Government or will have to accept a deal with a four year pay freeze at 2019 wages when their next contract is due.

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In June Mr Gunner did not rule out sacking public servants on executive contracts for refusing the pay freeze.

On Monday, Mr Gunner said only half of the Territory’s 600-plus executive workforce had signed up to the freeze.

The Government had previously indicated the deadline for executives to sign up was the end of June, but that has now been extended to August without explanation.

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Most public servants on executive contracts have already negotiated new agreements, locking in annual pay rises, beginning with a 2.5 per cent increase this August.

Public service unions have questioned the legality of the forced freeze, claiming to have received legal advice saying the Government could not force public servants to sign contract variations.

The freeze to the pay of public service executives and politicians was expected to save the cash-strapped NT Government about $25 million across three years.

More to come