Essential workers taking on second jobs or moving interstate

Sunday, August 25, 2024

Essential workers in NSW are taking on second jobs or considering a move interstate as the Minns government faces pressure over its recent pay offer to public sector employees.

The research will be launched behind State parliament at 10am today, by union leaders and rank and file essential workers

A survey of 7,028 union and non-union public sector workers conducted by Unions NSW, coupled with focus group research in key marginal seats finds:

• 42% of public sector staff are considering moving interstate for similar jobs, up 15 percentage points from two years ago.

• More than two in five (42%) public sector employees are working a second job or considering finding one.

• The healthcare sector is most affected, with 67% of workers contemplating an interstate move, up from 46% two years ago.

• Over half (56%) of all health workers are working or considering a second job to supplement income.

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said the findings were a clear signal. "The voters that will decide the next election are hugely invested in making sure our essential workers get the fair pay rise they desperately deserve. This should be a massive wake-up call for the NSW government."

Separate qualitative research by Redbridge outlines political implications. Focus groups in marginal outer suburban and regional electorates revealed strong support for a 15% pay claim and workers' right to take industrial action. Participants described the government's 10.5% pay offer as a "slap in the face."

"New South Wales' already-stretched essential services are facing a mass exodus of workers looking interstate for decent pay that keeps their heads above water," Morey said. "The political consequences of disrespecting public sector workers could be catastrophic."

CONTACT: Mark Morey 0425 231 812 or Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032