NT government pursues Fair Work action over firefighters, corrections dispute
The NT government files two applications with the Fair Work Commission over a year-long bargaining dispute with the union representing firefighters and correctional officers, with experts calling it a "risky move".
The Northern Territory government has lodged two applications with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) following a year of negotiations with the United Workers Union (UWU) representing firefighters and correctional officers. Industrial relations experts argue that this risky move could force the government to abandon its policy of a maximum 3 per cent annual wage rise for the public sector.
The UWU has challenged the applications, accusing the government of being fiscally irresponsible. Both Commissioner for Public Employment Nicole Hurwood and UWU NT Secretary Erina Early have expressed differing views on the matter. The Commissioner defends the applications, stating that the union has rejected multiple offers and claims are beyond what the government considers affordable or reasonable.
In contrast, the UWU accuses the government of neglecting its duty and being more focused on litigation. The government is not alone in negotiations, as it is also discussing new enterprise agreements with NT medical officers, dentists, nurses, midwives, Territory Generation and Power and Water Corporation employees. Union leaders have criticized the government's pay offers, with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) NT branch secretary Heidi Crisp demanding a 20.5 per cent wage increase over three years.
The FWC is set to make a decision on the intractable bargaining declaration application for NT firefighters on August 26 and for corrections officers on September 2.
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