Centrelink employees go on a 24-hour strike over pay negotiations
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Millions of Australians who rely on Centrelink services braced for disruptions last Monday, October 9, after the union representing thousands of Services Australia employees sanctioned a 24-hour strike.
The strike action comes after negotiations broke down between the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the federal government over proposed pay rises.
‘They’re feeling [the] cost of living pressures now,’ said Melissa Donnelly, CSPU National Secretary.
The proposal—an 11.2 per cent wage increase—was rejected by the union and led to a 24-hour strike of almost 3,000 employees across different Services Australia offices.
‘The CPSU has rejected this offer because we know that we can and we should be aiming higher than 50 per cent, plus one,’ Ms Donnelly explained.
She added: ‘Our members are ready to increase pressure as needed to secure a better outcome on pay.’
Services Australia Manager Hank Jongen initially warned Centrelink recipients about the strike, saying: ‘We will have less staff, and if you can delay visiting or calling us until Tuesday or later in the week, please do.’
Signs in offices were also spotted, warning of a ‘Business Disruption’.
‘This service centre is currently experiencing long wait times due to a business disruption. We expect to resume standard services from Tuesday, 10th October 2023,’ the sign said.
Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher remarked, ‘It now takes almost 30 minutes when you call Services Australia.’
But despite all these, recipients were assured that this would not impact their payments.
‘We want to reassure customers that payments will not be affected. Our priority remains ensuring that those most vulnerable or with urgent queries will get the support they need,’ said Mr Jongen.
He also gave an update after the strike had passed.
‘Only three small offices were closed. Most importantly, people that were due to be paid today were paid,’ he told a news source.
However, this might not be the end of the strike. A CPSU spokesperson stated that the ‘ball was now in the government’s court’ and alluded to further industrial actions in the future.
Currently, there are 9.4 million people on income support across the nation. Senator Janet Rice, the Greens spokesperson for Social Services, said that Centrelink recipients were struggling more than ever.
‘Those on income support are in need of urgent help. In just the last week, I’ve seen a woman in huge financial stress try to fix a Jobseeker payment issue, only to call over 100 times and not get through,’ she said.
‘Workers are tired of being overworked and unpaid, and people on Centrelink are tired of the system completely failing them,’ the senator continued.
Employees from other government offices like the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and the Department of Agriculture will vote to go on strike after a series of protected work action ballots were approved last week.
You can watch 7News Australia’s news coverage here:
Were you affected by the Centrelink strike, members? Share your thoughts about this story in the comments below!
The strike action comes after negotiations broke down between the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the federal government over proposed pay rises.
‘They’re feeling [the] cost of living pressures now,’ said Melissa Donnelly, CSPU National Secretary.
Centrelink employees went on a 24-hour strike last Monday, October 9. Credit: Shutterstock
The proposal—an 11.2 per cent wage increase—was rejected by the union and led to a 24-hour strike of almost 3,000 employees across different Services Australia offices.
‘The CPSU has rejected this offer because we know that we can and we should be aiming higher than 50 per cent, plus one,’ Ms Donnelly explained.
She added: ‘Our members are ready to increase pressure as needed to secure a better outcome on pay.’
Services Australia Manager Hank Jongen initially warned Centrelink recipients about the strike, saying: ‘We will have less staff, and if you can delay visiting or calling us until Tuesday or later in the week, please do.’
Signs in offices were also spotted, warning of a ‘Business Disruption’.
‘This service centre is currently experiencing long wait times due to a business disruption. We expect to resume standard services from Tuesday, 10th October 2023,’ the sign said.
Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher remarked, ‘It now takes almost 30 minutes when you call Services Australia.’
But despite all these, recipients were assured that this would not impact their payments.
‘We want to reassure customers that payments will not be affected. Our priority remains ensuring that those most vulnerable or with urgent queries will get the support they need,’ said Mr Jongen.
He also gave an update after the strike had passed.
‘Only three small offices were closed. Most importantly, people that were due to be paid today were paid,’ he told a news source.
However, this might not be the end of the strike. A CPSU spokesperson stated that the ‘ball was now in the government’s court’ and alluded to further industrial actions in the future.
Currently, there are 9.4 million people on income support across the nation. Senator Janet Rice, the Greens spokesperson for Social Services, said that Centrelink recipients were struggling more than ever.
‘Those on income support are in need of urgent help. In just the last week, I’ve seen a woman in huge financial stress try to fix a Jobseeker payment issue, only to call over 100 times and not get through,’ she said.
‘Workers are tired of being overworked and unpaid, and people on Centrelink are tired of the system completely failing them,’ the senator continued.
Employees from other government offices like the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and the Department of Agriculture will vote to go on strike after a series of protected work action ballots were approved last week.
You can watch 7News Australia’s news coverage here:
Were you affected by the Centrelink strike, members? Share your thoughts about this story in the comments below!
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it was the older Aussie line.maybe she was bored also.
