Ballarat City Council bargaining update, work bans and more!

09 May 2024

The ASU Bargaining team met with management yesterday. At this meeting, we rejected management’s proposal (Yr 1 -3.5%, Yr 2 -3.5%, Yr 3 – 3.5%) and we put the position endorsed by members last week, that is:

ASU Wages counter offer
September 2023 - 5% or $62, whichever is greater (inclusive of backpay)
June 2024 - 6% or $65, whichever is greater
June 2025 – 6% or $70, whichever is greater

We also responded to management’s detailed claims. We welcome improvements in conditions such as increased sick leave but have identified that the end of band payments and the disciplinary clause remain important issues that we want to see addressed in this enterprise agreement.
We are back at the bargaining table next Wednesday afternoon where we expect to receive a formal response to our counter offer.
We also met with management yesterday about the childcare schedule and management has proposed a new allowance in response to our claim regarding early and late shifts. More info here.

Work bans
Work bans start today! There has been a large amount of misinformation from management about docking peoples pay if they participate in work bans. The ASU lawyers have written to management today about the reckless misinformation that is being sent to staff. You can read that here .

Another vote?
Council’s message this morning to staff suggests that the Council wants to put the agreement out to vote… again…? We are continuing to bargain and work through detailed claims. Any vote in the coming weeks would be premature. Watch this space but until an acceptable wage offer is on the table, we will be recommending members vote no!

Flyers
The ASU has produced a flyer for members of the public. You can download that here . These flyers out to members of the public is one of the protected work bans and union members are permitted to temporarily pause their work to hand these out. This is an important way we can educate the public about this dispute! We encourage you to also take these and put them in your neighbours’ letterboxes when you’re taking the dog for a walk! Spread the message far and wide!

Spread the message
Please share this important update with your colleagues. It’s never been more important to be in the Union. Only ASU members can take part in protected industrial action. Encourage your co-worker to join the ASU today at https://www.asuvictas.com.au/VICTAS/Join

For further information please contact:
ASU lead organiser Zoe Edwards | [email protected]