By Ben Courtice

HOBART -- The long-running wages campaign by Tasmanias non-nursing health workers has taken a bitter turn. On July 17, the state Liberal government announced a 5.5% pay rise for 20,000 public servants, but not for members of the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU).

This is designed to isolate the HACSU and pit it against the State Public Service Federation section of the Community and Public Sector Union, which accepted the governments offer. HACSU will take action in the Industrial Relations Court, applying for an interim injunction to force the government to pay all public servants the rise.

Despite a recent rescue deal for Tasmanias largest meat processor involving an undisclosed sum, the government claims it can not afford the $50 per week claimed by HACSU.

After weeks of deadlock, during which HACSU members took industrial action, the dispute will be arbitrated in mid-August in the federal Industrial Relations Commission. The Tasmanian Trades and Labour Council on July 18 supported HACSUs position and condemned the state government.

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