Banana Shire Council bargaining update
The Services Union participated in Certified Agreement (CA) negotiation meetings with Banana Shire Council on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Robust discussions have now begun around the intent and reasoning for various claims, including:
- Parental Leave, particularly the need to relocate for birthing suite access;
- Natural Disaster Leave, with emphasis on easier access to this leave when prevented from getting to work;
- Other forms of leave (inc. annual leave, personal leave, long service leave)
- Maximum Term conversion;
- Casual Loadings;
- Span of Hours and Flexible Working Arrangements;
- Meal Breaks;
- Overtime;
- Higher Duties;
- Allowances (including parity of uniform allowance for indoor staff);
- Job security.
Following a request from the combined Unions, the Council tabled an initial pay offer of 4% per year or CPI (whichever is greater). Other than providing support for the model of fixed percentage with some form of safety net, we did not table a formal response. We will carefully analyse the offer and seek members’ feedback before doing so.
We will resume CA discussions on Wednesday 7 May. Stay tuned for a short survey regarding the pay offer and other key claims next week.
If you have any questions, please talk to your Workplace Delegate. Share this update with your colleagues and encourage any non-members to join online for a better deal!