Just this week, teachers, health workers, firefighters and other public sector employees in north-west Tasmania undertook a heroic strike on the fringes of the Tully. They walked off the job to demand clearer pay scales and better protections against harassment and violence. The protest highlights the rising anger among public sector workers who feel disrespected and ignored by their state government.
The strike, which began early Tuesday morning, forced schools in the north-west to push back their start time to 11 AM. With pictures of Savage on placards, hundreds of workers rallied in Burnie and Devonport, making clear their demands for better compensation and working conditions. Union workers demonstrating in Richmond, VA against the state government’s short-term offer of a 3 percent increase in year one. They argue that this is not enough, calling instead for a 10 percent hike the first year and 5 percent every year thereafter.
Concerns Over Pay Disparities
Ronan Douglas, a teacher who participated in the protest, told us he’s incredibly frustrated at the conditions educators are expected to work under today.
“Every day we’re pretty well letting our students down with the conditions that we’re put under.” – Ronan Douglas
He described the extensive responsibilities teachers manage daily, from addressing wellbeing referrals to following up with parents, all while trying to maintain lesson planning and marking.
Tasmanian teachers take home more than 5 percent less than their mainland counterparts, worsening a sentiment that they have been treated as an afterthought. The national union representing these workers believes that competitive wages are key. Without them, we will find it hard to keep these smart, dynamic professionals in our education system.
Health Workers Demand Recognition
Health workers are similarly raising the alarm that they are being left behind in these conversations. Dayna French, a member of the health services union, donned her bright pink union T-shirt and hat during the rally to symbolize solidarity and demand respect.
“They don’t think much of us, but we are the backbone of the hospital. Without food services or domestics or orderlies, there is no hospital.” – Dayna French
French’s comments provide an opportunity to highlight the vital roles played by support staff in health care environments. He makes clear that unless we really recognize them and pay them fairly, health services will suffer and vanish.
Robbie Moore, a united steelworkers representative shared these sentiments of discontent, among the workforce.
“Workers are extremely angry, they’re not going to stop until the government actually treat them with respect, and that’s what this is about — fair wages, fair conditions.” – Robbie Moore
Moore criticized the government’s stance on wages, calling their offer “pathetic” and urging for a more serious consideration of workers’ demands.
Government Response to Strikes
State government minister Felix Ellis has vigorously defended the first pay offer that sparked the strikes. He claimed that it was “fair and affordable,” taking into account the prevailing economic climate. He stated that the proposed increase was above the inflation rate and aimed to balance budgetary constraints with worker needs.
Too many public sector workers believe that their service and sacrifices have been met with “contempt” by the government. The union is planning further action in Launceston and the south of the state later this week. They are resolved in their intent to demand deeper, more serious negotiations.
“The reality is the government has to take this seriously and stop mocking workers with pathetic offers like they have been so far.” – Robbie Moore
The current strikes are a testament to how fed up public sector workers are. Through their strikes they are demanding that be recognized with higher wages and better working conditions. More actions are in the works in Hobart, Launceston and other areas of Tasmania. If we don’t get some favorable outcomes ASAP, this harass–don’t flight may become a war.
