Fraser Coast Regional Council bargaining bulletin

On Tuesday The Services Union undertook further Certified Agreement (CA) negotiations with Fraser Coast Regional Council.

The Council provided detailed responses to your claims, and rejected the following:

  • Improved job security;
  • Additional employer superannuation contributions;
  • Span of Hours – the Council claims that working all ordinary hours between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday would not provide enough agility and has no interest in supporting a four-day week;
  • Minimum four-hour payment for weekend call-outs

The Council did indicate support for improved on-call remuneration for Telemetry and has requested further information about our claim around improved fatigue break arrangements. However, the Council reinforced its position that any bargaining costs over and above its pay offer of 14% over the life of the agreement would result in a decrease of that percentage and/or reduction of services via job losses.

While our Union shares the Council’s eagerness to finalise the new CA as soon as possible, we’re also keen to make sure we get it right. After all, it’s what will govern your pay and conditions for the coming years.

We’re only two meetings into the process, but it’s rapidly becoming apparent that the Council wants to wrap negotiations up quickly on its own terms, regardless of what this means for staff retention and your cost-of-living issues. Our members at other similar Councils have proven that a better outcome is possible with a strong, informed union. If you work with someone who wants a better deal and is not yet a member, share this update with them and encourage them to join online.

The latest bargaining update for Fraser Coast Regional Council members.