Hundreds of NSW public service workers strike for better pay

Hundreds of New South Wales public sector workers have walked off the job today demanding better pay despite the government offering a 3 per cent increase.

Members of the Public Service Association, including prison guards, court sheriffs, child protection officers, school support staff and customer service workers, have gathered on mass at Macquarie Street in Sydney.

The workers are demanding a 5.2 per cent pay increase and for the government to abolish the public sector salary cap.

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"Why aren't we receiving the same treatment as those other frontline workers?" PSA general secretary Stewart Little said.

"I will tell you why because Perrottet does not have a plan when it comes to inflation or the cost of living."

The workers are also unimpressed about the $3000 appreciation payment on offer to some health workers in the state and have questioned why this has not been extended to other public service employees.

The workers claim they also deserve the payment after working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the $3000 payments for health workers plus promised pay rises of 3 per cent for other frontline workers in NSW announced last week is more than anywhere else in the nation.

"The challenging times that we face require a responsible response," he said.

"That's exactly what's happened."

"Everyone across NSW is going through a difficult time," he said, referring to the interest rate hike.

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"Difficult times call for governments to act responsibly.

"It would be easy for us to sit here and give in to the union bosses and demands but we don't work for the union bosses, we work for the people of our state."

Multiple sectors in the state have taken industrial action recently including transport workers and teachers, all calling on the government for a pay rise and better working conditions.