Unions push Mark McGowan to drop controversial public sector wage cap with $250k advertising blitz

A $250,000 advertising blitz launching this weekend will pressure the McGowan Government to drop plans to extend its controversial public sector wages cap for another two years. The policy — which limits wage rises for government workers including teachers, nurses, police and prison officers to a maximum $1000 annually — has already been in effect for four years. Premier Mark McGowan and Treasurer Ben Wyatt have credited the measure with playing a pivotal role in repairing the State’s finances, but it has caused a rift between the Labor Government and unions who donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to the party each year. UnionsWA — which represents more than 30 affiliates that boast more than 150,000 members between them — is coordinating “The Public Good Campaign”which will involve “intensive radio and online advertising” and “major door-knocking efforts”. Owen Whittle, UnionWA acting secretary, said public sector wages had failed to keep pace with inflation, meaning a pay cut in real terms. “No other employer is able to fix wages without negotiation, the State wages policy is a formula that creates bad faith,” he said. “The McGowan Government is proposing to extend (that policy) for an extra two years. That will mean, for a period of six years, the majority in our public sector workforce will have wages that are going backwards compared with costs of living.” While the campaign is launching ahead of early voting beginning on Monday, Mr Whittle warned it would continue to run past the election and was “here for the long term”. He said the coronavirus pandemic had clearly demonstrated the vital role of public sector workers. “Most now realise the importance of cleaners, security staff and others have in roles that before were too often overlooked,” he said. “We are relying more than ever on the important skills of policy makers to keep us safe in the face of a mutating virus and the need for changed policy settings in response.”