NT government pursues Fair Work action over firefighters, corrections dispute

The Northern Territory government is pursuing action at the Fair Work Commission (FWC) over disputes with unions representing firefighters and correctional officers, a move that could challenge its own public sector wages policy. After more than a year of stalled bargaining, the government has filed applications for "intractable bargaining declarations."

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The government is not focusing on real negotiation and trying to improve public sector workers' conditions of employment.

Under Commonwealth law, such declarations can lead to the FWC independently determining pay and conditions for workers. This process carries the risk of forcing the government to abandon its policy of capping public sector wage rises at a maximum of 3% annually. The United Workers Union NT, representing both groups of workers, has accused the government of neglecting its duty and focusing on litigation rather than genuine negotiation.

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They're more focused on litigation and legal proceedings.

However, the Commissioner for Public Employment, Nicole Hurwood, defended the government's applications. She stated that the union has rejected multiple offers for new enterprise agreements, some of which were informed by FWC recommendations. Hurwood emphasized that the government has been transparent about its fiscal limitations, while the union continues to pursue claims deemed unaffordable and unreasonable.

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The government has been clear with the UWU about the fiscal parameters within which it can negotiate.

Edith Cowan University lecturer in industrial relations, Dr. Alexis Vassiley, noted the unusual nature of governments applying for these declarations due to their unpredictable outcomes. He explained that the FWC is not bound by the NT government's wages policy and could potentially award increases significantly higher than 3%. This dispute is one of seven ongoing negotiations between the NT government and various public sector workforces, including medical officers, nurses, and power and water corporation employees.

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The union continues to pursue claims that are significantly beyond what the government considers affordable or reasonable.