GANNAWARRA Shire Council staff will strengthen work bans that have been in place for more than a week after wage talks between management and the Australian Services Union broke down on Wednesday.
Union representatives and council management met to try to end the dispute – which is now into its 11th day – which relates to a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement between council and the union, which covers the majority of the shire’s staff.
Work bans have been in place since last Tuesday, with staff supporting the action only working for certain periods of the day, with tasks not completed.
These range from the collection of rubbish and fees, the mowing of reserves or herding of stray livestock.
Other staff have also not completed reports or taken phone calls for management.
The parties will meet again next Wednesday, with strike action the union’s next step if its conditions are not agreed.
“As far as we are concerned, the meeting was a waste of time,” ASU organiser, Danny Harris said.
“We were treated by contempt by the council. The chief executive officer spoke in riddles and there was no logic to the savings proposed.”
Council chief executive officer, Eric Braslis said yesterday that council is committed to seeking a solution that recognises the value if its staff whilst providing the level of service the community expects.
“With the support and collaborative approach from within the organisation, I am confident that we will find a fair and reasonable wage increase,” he said.
“We are continuously working with staff to find solutions that retain our current workforce in a financially responsible manner, through ongoing savings, efficiencies and innovations.”
