Leichhardt Council deadlocked on new building decision - Slap in the face for staff
By Peter Kelly
USU Organiser
Jul 1, 2009
More than 70 council staff rallied outside the Leichhardt Council meeting on Tuesday 23 June 2009, calling on councillors to make the right decision and commit to building the two-story Administration Building extension.
United Services Union organiser Peter Kelly (centre) with Leichhardt Council staff. Photo: Craig Wilson, Inner West Courier
Staff have been forced to work out of temporary offices for the past 17 years in cramped conditions with no meeting rooms or sufficient amenities.
The decision to build the new office building, which has been through the planning process and has come back way under budget, was deferred at the meeting, to be decided on in July.
A meeting will be held between the Union, Senior Management and Councillors in the next two weeks to further debate the issue.
Council is now considering only building one storey of the planned two-storey building, which shows short-sightedness on council’s behalf.
Instead of listening to employees and doing what's best for the community, the decision has been put off yet again. Employees have been waiting 16 years already - enough is enough.
Councillors often say to ratepayers that they are committed to providing the best service they can to the local community. If this is true then a two storey building is the only option and will greatly improve council's service delivery.
Going through this process again is costly and time-consuming. Council needs to make a decision and ensure Leichhardt can continue to grow well into the future.
The USU thanks its members for their attendance and support of the rally before the Council meeting.
Your solidarity will be a major contributor to keeping up pressure to councillors to make the right decision.
Any staff wishing to become active in the USU at a contact or anyone wanting information about joining the USU please contact Peter Kelly USU Organiser on 0408 408 587 or email pkelly@usu.org.au
