What’s happening with the Agreement?
Unions and management went back to the Fair Work Commission on Wednesday 2 February after management applied to the Commission to intervene in the bargaining process.
The ASU stuck to our position that, like ASU members at Hume and City of Greater Geelong, Brimbank members deserve a better pay rise than 1.75% or 1.5%. This was done on your behalf as we know you expect a pay rise of at least 2%.
Management still has not agreed to this.
The Commissioner instructed management to apply for an Arbitration or start negotiating with the unions again. Arbitration is a process where the Commission decides on the terms and requires agreement by the Unions by Wednesday 9 February.
What are our options?
Your EA has expired. Legally we can run a ballot to see if members are prepared to take industrial action like bans, stop-work etc. We would need to apply to the Commission first so you are protected if you take industrial action.
ASU members at Hume did this. The majority of ASU members voted in favour of taking action. The unions and managers at Hume then reached agreement after the vote but before any action started.
We may need to do this at Brimbank to get backpay back on the table and be ready to follow the threat with action.
What’s next?
We are writing to your new CEO to see if she will help resolve the negotiations. We are also ringing all ASU members at Brimbank to see what you think.
If you don’t hear from us please contact: Your ASU Delegate or
ASU Organiser Cindy O’Connor | coconnor@asuvictas.com.au – We may need to update your contact details to get in touch with you.
