With only a few months to the federal election, the Howard government’s industrial relations changes are continuing to create chaos, confusion and hardship.
The impact of the second decision by the Australian Fair Pay Commission has left local councils reeling in a state of heightened uncertainty about rates of pay. The Federal Government and the Local Government & Shires Associations have published conflicting advice about the rates of pay for employees allegedly employed under federal “NAPSA” agreements.
The result is a situation of wage chaos – with councils having virtually no clear direction on where to go should they fall under WorkChoices. The situation has now reached the point where employers and unions alike are demanding that NSW local government be exempted from WorkChoices.
WorkChoices – “Don’t go there” says NSW Government
The NSW Government has written to the Mayors and General Managers of the State’s 152 councils warning they will face legal action if they attempt to force their workers into the unfair Work Choices regime. NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca, and Minister for Local Government, Paul Lynch have encouraged councils to work cooperatively with unions to make interim arrangements to ensure general wage increases are paid pending the federal election.
Apart form the uncertainty about rates of pay, many councils remain concerned about how WorkChoices removes access to conciliation and arbitration. Ninety four councils have now signed up to Referral Agreements ensuring that unfair dismissals and industrial grievances can continue to be heard before an independent industrial relations tribunal.
USU Protect 07 Campaign
A long term solution to Australia’s industrial relations crisis will only be achieved through the removal of the Howard government. In the meantime the USU has come up with responsible short term arrangements to protect employees and councils in the present industrial crisis through our Protect 07 campaign.
The USU is now negotiating with councils across the state to support the payment of decent interim general wage increases through the use of council agreements. Mass meetings and meetings with management are now underway with results coming through council by council.
The State Award
The LGSA has exploited the current uncertain industrial environment by holding back on a reasonable pay offer. The award has now entered a further phase of conciliation with the USU pressing for a decent increase to mitigate increases in the cost of living and reward employees for increasing work intensity.
The USU will hold briefing sessions with members about developments with the award negotiations as we move towards 1 November.
Your Rights at Work - Worth Fighting and Voting for!
Members across NSW are urged to get behind the USU campaign for a decent award and decent local wage Increases. Kevin Rudd’s Forward with Fairness policy draws a clear distinction on IR. Federal Labor will give NSW the opportunity to return local government to a fair and equitable state Industrial relations system. Now Is the time to campaign for decent wages and for a decent future.
