Today is the Unions NSW Day of Action for public sector workers to protest against cuts to services and salary offers which are substantially less than inflation.  The day will also highlight the need to attract and retain people in the public sector to deliver and provide back up support for much needed services.

Currently the Treasurer, Michael Costa, is offering salary increases of only 2.5% per annum for public sector workers.  This is 2% less than the current rate of inflation.  Mr Costa says that any increases over 2.5% must be paid for by loss of staff, cutting leave entitlements or cutting services.  This situation is bad for everyone in NSW.

Maree O’Halloran, Teachers Federation President, said today:

“Over 500,000 leaflets outlining ‘A plan to staff our public schools’ will be distributed to parents and community members today and in the coming weeks.  With 16,000 teachers due to retire in the next four years, the Premier must act now to attract and retain qualified and specialist teachers for all children.

“The plan includes:

1.     employing at least 1,000 additional permanent teachers

2.   maintaining the teacher transfer system as an incentive to help all schools attract qualified and specialist teachers

3.   increasing the salaries and superannuation of the teaching profession

4.   ensuring the high standards of qualifications currently required to teach in a public school.

“The Premier must act now and get involved before it is too late.  He must stand up for teachers, police, fire fighters and other public sector workers who are so vital to our communities.”

NB: A copy of the leaflet is attached in pdf format.