Brimbank council and its employees’ dispute over Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) intensified on Tuesday night when staff rallied outside the Keilor municipal office before a council meeting.
About 30 indoor and outdoor staff, led by Australian Services Union (ASU) organiser Russell McGregor, met outside the Keilor office before heading into the council chamber for public question time.
Council staff and the ASU are concerned about a clause in the draft EBA that refers to the introduction of GPS devices on council vehicles, plant and equipment, and the introduction of surveillance technology.
Mr McGregor said staff were also concerned about job security and the contracting out of vital council services, including rubbish collection.
The council will put the draft EBA to vote next Monday, with the vote closing on October 31.
Mr McGregor said staff were furious to discover that they would lose backpay dating back to July 1 if the EBA was not voted in.
“They’ve [the council] really got staff offside,” he said.
“This dispute is far from over.”
One rubbish collector, who asked not to be named, said staff would prefer job security over the proposed pay rise.
“I want to know if I’ll have a job in three years,” the employee said.
Meanwhile, a member of the council’s administration team, who has worked for the council for nearly three decades, said it was the first time management was refusing to negotiate.
“I just don’t get it.
“Even though the council and union aren’t far apart on the issues, the council aren’t willing to negotiate. It’s a frustrating process.”
