Tasmanians need wages that compete in a national market, to be able to afford to live here, and to fix public services.
Tasmanian workers face an unfair and persistent mainland wage gap - $218.80 per week on average or $11,378 annually (ABS data November 2023).
Our community is suffering because of a recruitment and retention crisis right across the Tasmanian public sector with many occupations and roles paid below those working in mainland states. And in the private sector, too many employers come to the table with outdated ideas that it is somehow cheaper to live in Tasmania (it isn’t) or point to State Government wages policy as a guide.
Tasmanian unions are fighting to close the mainland wage gap and secure market rates of pay for essential services. Check out some of their stories here.