Public sector unions start job cut talks with department bosses

Tasmanian unions are talking directly to department heads in efforts to minimise public sector job losses.

Frontline jobs are no longer quarantined as the Government moves to cut up to 500 full-time equivalent positions after abandoning its plan to freeze public sector pay.

While the Government has shut unions out of any discussions about budget savings, the Education Department secretary met union representatives last week.

The department has agreed to discuss its savings strategies.

The Community and Public Sector Union's secretary Tom Lynch said it was not the role of unions to present alternative savings measures, but he predicted more departments would do the same.

"At this stage what we will do is sit down and discuss any ideas they have," he said.

"It seems the departments have no political axe to grind - unlike the Government - so we're hopeful they will be able to talk to us."

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the time for negotiating with unions was over.

He sees no point in further talks with unions after they opposed the Government's public sector pay freeze plan.

"Now they want people to believe they are suddenly for it? We are the only people that have had a firm position," he said.

He will meet department heads and ministers again this week to identify extra savings equating to 500 full-time jobs.

"What we're doing now is working with agencies to ensure they deliver the services they need to within those allocations."