The government's pay negotiating body is calling for pay restraint, claiming public sector pay is outstripping the private sector.
The Public Service Commission says it's made a two per cent pay offer to government employees this year.
It says a pay deal of a 2% every year for three years has also been put on the table, with an option to renegotiate if inflation changes.
PSC Chair Kate Lord-Brennan says there can't be large rises each year without services being affected.