Government's Substandard Pay Offer
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—everyone needs to know what’s at stake
The PSA has received the Government's "offer" for a new Salaried Enterprise Agreement. Here's what it means for you:
Pay rises that do not compensate for how far behind SA public servants are: 3.75% in Aug 2025, 3.5% in Aug 2026 and 3.25% in Aug 2027.
Award breach risk: Many classifications have already dropped below the relevant Award rates (ASO1-3, OPS1-3, TGO0-1, CO1-2). Employees in this scenario will receive either the increase of 3.75% or where this is not enough to bring the rate above the award, they will match the award plus an add an extra 0.5%. While for some classifications, this equates to an increase of around 8%, it is still likely that many classifications will again fall below the Award rate on 1 July 2026 when the next Award increase is due (if Award increases are in line with CPI). That is unacceptable.
No fix for broken classifications: There is no review clause proposed for review of the Operational Services classification, despite significant classification issues for this cohort.
Unfair penalty rates: Sunday work will still be paid the same as Saturday (150%).
Seven-day rostering risk: Hours could be "averaged" over 7 days, potentially undermining overtime protections. In the event that there is a dispute in relation to changing to a 7 day roster, the status quo would not apply.
Snubbing of all Correctional Officer claims, in particular CO2 to CO3 progression and a new increment for CO3. Government seems to think that it's ok for workers doing identical duties to be paid at different rates of pay.
This offer falls short.
SA public servants have had just 6% in pay rises over 6 years.
Many classifications sit around 20% below other states and same industry NGOs in SA.
Agencies are often relying on costly labour hire because wages are too low to attract and retain staff. Government pays significantly more for labour hire. Use of labour hire staff who are not bound by the Code of Ethics remains a significant risk for government. Labour hire should be a last resort, not standard practice.
If the government is serious about fixing the staffing crisis, they must deliver a real pay rise, not this bargain-basement offer. The Award is the safety net. It is not good enough that this government thinks public servants only deserve to be paid marginally above the safety net, with the next Award increase likely to put them below the Award once again.
Read the full offer:
The PSA is preparing to escalate to statewide industrial action. Now is the time to stand together.
What you need to do:
Complete the EB Offer survey.
Join the PSA. Only members can be supported by the PSA in industrial action.
Watch out for further updates early next week as we will be running urgent Zoom meetings to discuss the offer and planning for escalation activities.
This fight is about winning a real pay rise because we not only deserve it, we need it.
It's time to stand together and fight for fair pay.