WA Police say they have begrudgingly accepted the state government's wages policy, as nurses and firefighters continue to hold out on reaching a deal.
Key points:
- WA Police will get a wage bump of $60 per week or 3 per cent per year
- The increase comes on top of a $3,000 cost of living payment
- Nurses and firefighters are yet to accept the government's offer
The police union had joined other public sector unions in a long-running and heated negotiations campaign over fresh pay and conditions deals last year.
The government adjusted its policy several times, eventually offering workers pay rises of either three per cent or $60 a week, whichever is greater, as well as a $3,000 cost of living payment.
At the time, then-union president Mick Kelly described the offer as "disrespectful" and "woefully short", demanding officers be given a five per cent raise.
The next month the government announced it would start paying officers under its offer as a gesture of "goodwill" despite negotiations continuing.
Members have since voted to accept the offer, the state government announced in a statement.
"I commend the WA Police Union for their resolve and good faith in reaching this outcome," Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said.
Half of union members abstained
But the union had a different view, with President Paul Gale saying almost half of members "did not bother to vote, already prepared for the dire outcome".
About 52 per cent of members voted on the offer, with 57 per cent of those voting yes.
"Today we move forward, in hope the new Premier, Hon. Roger Cook MLA, listens to our members over the next 12 months and properly acknowledges the role of police officers," Mr Gale said.
He said the government continued to offer "hollow words" of support for officers, with hundreds of officers resigning over the last year.
The union had also been seeking changes to shift penalties, with the statement confirming allowances would be adjusted to "better reflect the unique demands of policing".
The new EBA will add the ability for officers to take career breaks of up to 12 months, and offers foster carer's leave and compassionate leave for early pregnancy loss.
Negotiations are continuing with firefighters, prison officers and nurses who remain unhappy with the government's offers so far.
The Australian Nursing Federation was recently handed a record $350,000 fine for its strike outside state parliament last year, as part of its push for a five per cent pay rise.