The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) congratulates staff at Parks Victoria who have reached in-principal agreement, after fighting for better pay and conditions for more than 12 months.  

Parks Vic workers have been taking industrial action since May this year, which has included 24-hour strikes, closures of parks, and bans on administrative tasks.

The offer accepted by Parks Vic workers includes a 3 per cent pay rise, a $5000 once off payment, and a structural wages uplift that will boost base level pay.

The CPSU said it was the first time in 15 years that Parks Vic staff had taken industrial action. 

Parks Vic workers are some of the lowest paid public servants in the state, with many earning close to minimum wage.

These workers play a crucial role in managing and protecting more than four million hectares of parks, reserves, bays and waterways across approximately 3000 land and marine sites, which attract over 100 million visits a year.

They also fulfil an essential firefighting and emergency response capability, working as an integrated part with other agencies often in some of the most remote regional areas of the state.

This pay offer will help retain long-serving and knowledgeable staff in their roles, and reduce the risk of our beloved parks and open spaces becoming under-resourced and poorly cared for. 

We are proud of the courage and tenacity that Parks Vic staff have shown over the last year, attending union meetings, chatting to colleagues, and courageously taking industrial action.

The CPSU acknowledges how industrial action may have impacted the public over the last few months, and thanks them for their patience and understanding.  

Quotes attributable to CPSU Vic Secretary, Jiselle Hanna

“This win is a direct result of the sheer determination of Parks Vic workers who didn’t back down without a fight.”

“Anyone who thinks that worker solidarity isn’t effective should speak with a Parks Victoria worker today.”

“These workers are incredibly dedicated to their jobs and to the Victorian community – the decision to take industrial action was not made lightly. But sometimes the risk is worth the reward.”