By now you would have received a copy of the proposed Surf Coast Shire Council Enterprise Agreement 2022-2025. The offer is for 9% over three years with back pay to September 2022. And an expiry in 2025.
As it stands this offer is still below the industry standard in other recent council negotiations. However, this offer has been accepted by the non-union or “independent” employee bargaining representatives, who have been nominated by non-union members to represent their interests.
After careful consideration and consultation with our Bargaining team, it is our opinion that the pay offer negotiated by non-union staff representatives falls short of our expectations and fails to address the concerns and needs of our members. The apparent “reaching of an agreement” has failed to adapt to the rapidly escalating cost of living crisis our members now experience.
It is also true that in the absence of any pay increase, we recognise our members are being placed in additional financial hardship due to cost of living increases.
We firmly believe that it is in the best interest of all union members to vote with their own conscience on this agreement offer. We cannot recommend a yes vote, but your bargaining team also can’t stand in the way of a modest pay increase for members doing it tough, which may relieve some cost of living pressures.
We firmly stand by the principle that negotiations regarding pay and benefits must be conducted through elected union representatives who are accountable to you, the members.
Only through collective unity can the best outcomes be achieved.
For further information please contact: Your ASU Delegate or
ASU Organiser Will Wyatt | 0418 320 625 | wwyatt@asuvictas.com.au
