Figures reveal more than 11,000 public servants in the Hunter Region will have their pay frozen, under the NSW Government's 12 month wage freeze.
Premier
Gladys Berejiklian said while the decision was difficult, it was the fairest
one for the people of NSW.
“Whilst
we are recovering from the health consequences of the pandemic we have yet to
come to terms with the economic shock. Job security is essential on our path to
recovery,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The
only way NSW will come out of this crisis in a strong position is if we all
make sacrifices, and that’s what we’re asking our own workforce to do because
we are all in this together.”
|
Public
servants in the Hunter
|
|
|
Health
workers
|
2,086
|
|
NSW
Police Force
|
472
|
|
Teachers
|
2,924
|
|
Transport
workers
|
74
|
|
General
public servants
|
3,564
|
|
Total
number of public servants
|
11,431
|
|
Percentage
of total workers
|
11.7%
|
While the State Government insist the proposal has not been taken lightly and is intended to direct funds toward health services and preserve public sector jobs, the plan has faced serious criticism.
Shadow Minister for the Hunter Clayton Barr says it is "ironic" that the lowest paid workers are relied on most during the COVID-19 crisis - and the decision to keep their wages low is "shallow, short-sighted, and cruel."
Mr Barr says the State Government must take real action to jumpstart the economy in regional NSW.
"What the economy needs right now is money in people's pockets," said Mr Barr. "So that people can go out and spend money and keep others employed in the retail, hospitality and services industries."
 |
| Image credit: pixabay.com |
