MP's staffers fume over pay deal

Date: 24 August 2001

Staff employed in Federal MP's offices are up in arms over an 'unacceptably low' pay offer from the Department of Finance.

After 14 months stonewalling, the department has finally released some details of a 3.2 % pay offer to replace the previous agreement, which expired in December 2000.

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) Deputy President, Malcolm Larsen today described the offer as 'mean-spirited, paltry and offensive'

"This offer is below the inflation rate and average federal public sector increases. It contains no backpay and is considerably less that the 12.9% that Federal MPs have been given since July last year.

"MP's staff have incredibly complex and stressful jobs. They work long hours and in an election period their workload doubles. They deserve a real pay rise," said Mr Larsen.

The union expects to be given more details about the offer when they meet with the Department in Canberra on Monday.

"They will have to come up with something a fair bit better than 3.2% if they want an agreement," warned Mr Larsen.

For background or comment
Malcolm Larsen 0417 417 901.

For further information

Contact:	Malcolm Larsen
Union:	CPSU - National Office
Phone:	0417 417 901

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