Threat to dock WA education worker wages

The West Australian government has threatened to dock the wages of education support workers if industrial action continues, after union members voted in favour of work bans.

United Voice members voted for 19 work bans last Friday after wage talks with the state government stalled, and began implementing them on Monday.

Secretary Carolyn Smith said at least three schools had directly threatened to withhold pay from staff if they did not immediately resume their duties, which included emptying rubbish bins and vacuuming.

Commerce minister Michael Mischin confirmed the government's response to industrial action could include docking pay if employees refused to perform their duties.

Mr Mischin said he was disappointed the union had chosen to implement work bans while negotiations were underway, considering the government had made a "reasonable offer" well in advance of the December 31 expiry.

Education support workers have requested a four per cent wage increase over three years, while the state government has offered 2.25 per cent for the first year, followed by 2.5 per cent for second and third years.

Ms Smith accused the state government of bullying workers.

"They are coming after the lowest paid workers in the public system, threatening to dock people who earn $22.99 an hour," she said.