TALKS to end the wage dispute between Gannawarra Shire Council and its staff have progressed.
Australian Services Union delegates and council management spent Wednesday working out ways to end the dispute – which is into its third week – and finalise a deal that is fair to employees and enables council to provide its services.
“We think we have got the discussions back on track,” ASU organiser, Danny Harris said.
“Discussions have been ongoing, with union members checking their position and council looking at its costings.
“The conversations have been in good faith and although there is no agreement at this stage, we are not giving up.”
Work bans that have been in place since July 12 will remain, 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.
“Although rolling bans are still in place, one action that is legislated for is stop-work meetings, which members do not want to utilise,” Mr Harris said.
“The employees do not want to take these actions. They are frustrated, as are the ratepayers.”
Gannawarra Shire Council chief executive officer, Eric Braslis described the talks as “positive”.
“While council has maintained its position of providing a fair and reasonable offer to the staff and a commitment to job security, a number of compromises have been offered, including a further increase to their wages,” he said.
“It will now be left to the unions and staff to consider.”
