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Ben Kruse

From the Secretary's
Desk
News > Local Government > Protect 08
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WorkChoices doesn't work for council workers, court rules

By Ben Kruse
USU General Secretary
Aug 20, 2008
Pay and conditions for local government workers are one step closer being protected under the State Award following a landmark decision from the Federal Court today.

The Court found that WorkChoices legislation could not cover Etheridge Council in Qld, which has far reaching consequences for local government across Australia.

The case also implied that the State Award might become the principle instrument for determining wages and conditions for local government workers.

“The decision today serves to heighten the uncertainty about the application of Federal Industrial Laws to local govt workers,” said Ben Kruse, Secretary of the United Services Union.

 “While this is a great step forward, urgent action is required by State and Federal Governments to resolve the uncertainty once and for all.”

The United Services Union will be calling on both the NSW Premier Morris Iemma and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to act following this decision.

“The USU is asking the NSW State Government to overcome the ambiguity by urgently passing legislation in NSW to de-corporate councils.”

“The federal government should also play a key role and must excise local government from the federal Workplace Relations Act”.

Contact:
USU Support centre
1300 136 604


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Last Updated: Nov 14th, 2008 - 16:28:13

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