Good on them. Government have screwed them (and other workers) for far too long and I admire them for taking a stand and I don't doubt it's an easy decision for them to take. But government constantly refuse to play ball. They have no problem finding enough resources from the magic money tree to fund other comparatively less important things, but when it comes to paying people what they deserve in line with inflation, suddenly they find it difficult.
Important enough to clap for them on the doorstep and save lives, but not important enough to be paid properly, according to government.