The latest Australian Government wage deal has sparked union discontent. 

The Albanese government's latest wage deal with the major public sector union, covering 180,000 public servants, has stirred controversy, despite bonuses ranging from $500 to $1400 on the table.

 The deal, labelled the “final offer”, reportedly has the backing of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) executive.

As part of the agreement, the government plans to expedite the first-year pay rise of 4 per cent, moving it from March 14 to December 21, resulting in a one-time payment if accepted. 

Workers will cast their votes in upcoming ballots, with a one-off back payment in the cards if the deal gets the nod.

However, the CPSU's support may face challenges from the upcoming union elections in early December. 

Members United, a leftist group critical of the CPSU's ties with Labor leaders, has raised concerns about Finance Minister Katy Gallagher's failure to secure wage increases matching inflation.

Amid these tensions, the government has proposed pay increases of 4 per cent in the first year, 3.8 per cent in 2025, and 3.4 per cent in 2026. 

Approximately 8,000 public servants are slated to receive additional payments as part of an initiative to standardise pay across agencies.

In a significant win for the predominantly female lower ranks, workers are granted unrestricted rights to work from home. 

CPSU federal secretary Melissa Donnelly lauded the offer as equivalent to 0.92 per cent of an employee's salary, with specific amounts, such as $724 for an APS4, $933 for an APS6, and $1119 for an EL1.

Despite the union's endorsement of the package, internal dissent remains evident, as Members United urges members to reject the deal, branding it as inadequate and below inflation. 

The union poll on the 11.2 per cent pay rise offer and sign-on bonus concludes on November 30, coinciding with CPSU elections on December 6.

Members United, positioning itself as a grassroots alternative, aims to replace union leadership with rank-and-file members. 

The group criticises the CPSU's recommendation for a below-inflation offer, labelling it a betrayal of the membership's interests.