Maranoa Regional Council Bargaining Update

Members of The Services Union at Maranoa Regional Council know the challenges working for a regional Council. Members also know that as your ally in the workplace, our Union is by your side to ensure you get the pay and conditions you deserve.

At yesterday’s negotiations, off the back of its undercooked 3.5% pay offer, the Council was still trying to justify why the pay increases should not be annual! Once again, we made it crystal clear that all increases should occur on 1 July each year, meaning you never have to wait any longer than twelve months.

The Council then tried to talk up its proposed multi-hire arrangements and expansion of ordinary hours to 5am – 7pm (from the current 5am – 6pm). Our Union reminded the Council that there are already flexibility options for working hours. We also took issue with the Council’s stated objective of reducing its wages bill at the expense of staff working unsocial rosters.

While we were able to agree to some minor wording changes in the draft Agreement for clarity purposes, the Council’s attitude to rewarding its staff ultimately meant that we were able to achieve little else.

We will re-convene negotiations on Thursday 19 January. In the meantime, enjoy the festive season and if you are still at work, remind your colleagues of what we’re doing to maintain and improve your conditions. If you work with anyone who is not yet a member, encourage them to join online.