City of Ballarat ASU EA update

24 April 2024

The ASU met with management today for the eagerly anticipated first meeting following the successful no vote. We expected that management would table a revised wage offer.

Management’s wage offer 

Disappointingly, management did not put a revised wage offer today but foreshadowed that they intend to put a revised wage offer that removes the rate cap. They have committed to table the revised offer at the next meeting on Wednesday 1 May.

ASU representatives at the bargaining table made clear that members expect a fair pay rise. Council’s quarterly financial statements show that funds are available that could be invested in workers' wages. The Quarter 2 Financial Statement that is publicly available on the council website shows that as at 31 December, the council had: 

“$4.54 million saving in employee costs. This has primarily resulted from the expected level of positions that are vacant during periods of recruitment.” 

You can find that here on page 22: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/28%20February%202024%20Council%20Meeting%20Minutes.pdf 

This financial statement shows that not only are you working harder because council isn’t filling vacant positions but also shows that money allocated to workers’ wages in this year's budget hasn’t been spent!

ASU claims 

At today’s meeting, the ASU tabled our formal revised wage position of 8% at today’s meeting and outlined the priority claims that we need to see addressed in any resolution of the enterprise agreement. These include: 

  • A dispute resolution clause that includes procedural fairness

  • Ensuring adequate paid time to open and close childcare centres before kids start arriving and packing up for the day 

  • Ensuring library workers are paid the full pay increase (not a discounted rate as has occurred for the past decade) 

  • End of band payments 

  • And more issues raised at members meetings earlier this week.

What’s next?

Our application for Protected Industrial Action was voted up by members. Congratulations and thanks to members who returned their ballots! 

We are proposing to hold a mass members meeting next Thursday at 1.30pm to consider management’s revised wage offer and vote as to whether to initiate work bans. More details are to come about this meeting.

We’re stronger together. Ask a co-worker to join the ASU to get a better deal on your enterprise agreement. It’s easy to join at https://www.asuvictas.com.au/VICTAS/Join 

For more information contact: 
ASU organiser Georgia Birch | 0436 844 023 |[email protected]