The new Award contains the following features:
- A three year term commencing on 1 November 2007;
- Annual wage increases of 3.2% with a minimum increase of $22 per week in each year of the Award equal to annual wage increases of 3.8%, 3.7% and 3.5% for workers at Band 1 Level 2 entry level and annual wage increases of 3.5%, 3.4% and 3.2% for workers at Band 1 Level 3 entry level.
- One off increase in car and vehicle allowances of 18% to reflect a spike in fuel prices during the past three years with the minimum quarterly payment remaining unchanged;
- All other allowances increased consistent with wage increases for the term of the Award;
- Simplified consultative committee clause;
- Annual assessments optional for employees who have topped out in their salary range;
- Clarification of minimum payment provisions for on call employees required to work on a public holiday;
- Clarification of time off in lieu for work on a public holiday provisions;
- Amendment of interaction of casual loading and overtime provisions;
- Appointment and promotion clause amended to only include matters not already contained and enforceable in the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).
For a detailed description of the new Award, including clauses, go to: www.usu.org.au/award.pdf
The annual wage increase of 3.2% accumulates to an increase of approximately 9.9% over the term of the Award. For workers at Band 1 Level 2 entry level the $22 per week increase in each year of the Award accumulates to an increase of approximately 11.4% over the term of the Award. For workers at Band 1 Level 3 entry level the $22 per week increase in each year of the Award accumulates to an increase of approximately 10.4% over the term of the Award.
USU and LGSA Reach Agreement on payment of Award
Over the past few weeks the USU has been negotiating with the LGSA to ensure that the LGSA recommends that all councils pay the 3.2% Award wage increase due on 1 November 2007.
The USU campaign for an Award wage increase is supported by the State Government. In recent correspondence to all Mayors and Councillors, the Minister for Local Government Paul Lynch made the following statement:
We believe Councils should be able to work cooperatively with unions to make interim arrangements to ensure that council employees continue to receive improvements in conditions such as pay increases that would ordinarily arise out of award negotiations.
Agreement has now been reached between the USU and the LGSA and the LGSA has made the recommendation to all councils.
The USU and LGSA have now also both demanded that the Federal Government release councils from WorkChoices.
The only thing left standing in the way of the Award wage increase is the continued uncertainty created by Federal Minister Joe Hockey's refusal to release NSW Local Government from WorkChoices.
If your council does not pay the 3.2% Award wage increase from the first full pay period on or after 1 November 2007 contact the Union immediately on 1300 136 604 and the USU will campaign to enforce the new Award.
