Negotiations will now commence for a common law collective agreement at Griffith City Council. This follows a campaign by members who fought against WorkChoices being introduced at Council and cutting their conditions. Members first raised the alarm when Council circulated an open letter to all employees indicating that a range of conditions were to be "traded off" to obtain a wage rise.
The USU position on this is clear with an application for a new Local Government State Award without any “trade-offs” currently before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
A campaign was therefore commenced to protect the conditions of members at Griffith Council and work towards a common law agreement negotiated collectively with the protection that union solidarity provides.
Mass Meetings Mass meetings were held with members across council. A survey was also commenced asking for employee feedback to set up a Draft Log of Claims. A resolution was passed at the mass meetings requesting the General Manager Peter Brooks and council management negotiate a common law agreement with the unions to protect current working conditions.
USU officials and delegates met with General Manager Mr Peter Brooks on Tuesday 1st May to discuss the “framework” for negotiations of a new industrial agreement at Griffith City Council.
The meeting on May 1st was a success, with council management agreeing to enter into negotiations for a common law agreement with the various Local Government unions.
Beating WorkChoices This was a significant step forward for all parties in negotiating a fair set of working conditions at Griffith City Council, free from the complications and award condition stripping associated with Workchoices.
General Manager Peter Brooks, USU General Secretary Ben Kruse and Local Government Engineers Association official Simon Kempton all signed a statement committing their parties to the common law agreement negotiations.
Where To From Here? Once the survey results are compiled a draft Log of Claims will be formed, and put to members for endorsement.
The Agreement Negotiating Team consisting of members' elected representatives and union officials David Perry and Ian Fayle, will begin negotiations and will hold regular information update sessions.
Union Membership Key to Success The initial success of this campaign is the direct result of the solidarity and strength shown by the union and its members. Special congratulations to Delegates Jim Taylor, Alby Bordignon, Wendy Krzus, Rebecca Hardwick, Mick Quinn, Brenton Fahey and Jemaile Irvine.
