More than 30,000 public servants will get an extra public holiday as part of a negotiation sweetener from the state government.

The surprise offer was made to the white-collar CPSU/CSA union to head off any industrial action over the government’s strict $1000 pay rise policy.

Liberal Opposition leader Liza Harvey says the deal was done to appease unions. Credit:AAP/Tony McDonough

But the extra holiday – expected to be taken in lieu of Easter Sunday - could further anger other public service unions, who are digging in for a protracted fight for more pay.

“We believe we made a very generous offer in the current economic circumstances,” said Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston when asked about the CPSU deal.