UPDATE: Brimbank Council workers at the Keilor Park depot have voted to go on strike for three days next week over issues surrounding their enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) negotiations, including the out-sourcing of services.
The strike will affect all outdoor services including rubbish collections, by-laws officers and parks and gardens.
Workers will picket the depot on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week.
The action follows a Star Weekly article that revealed Brimbank council staff and the Australian Services Union’s concerns about a clause in the draft EBA which refers to the introduction of GPS on council vehicles, plant and equipment, and the introduction of surveillance technology.
ASU organiser Russell McGregor said the clause meant Brimbank council would be removing its employees’ legal right to privacy.
“The Surveillance Act clearly states that you can only track someone’s movements, or the vehicle they’re in, as long as it’s with their express consent,” Mr McGregor said.
“What council wants to do is put that into an enterprise agreement and get people to vote on it.
“That would mean people who didn’t give their express consent would have their legal rights eroded.”
Mr McGregor said in a protected action ballot order held last month, more than 96 per cent of members voted to take industrial action if required.
Mr McGregor said matters intensified last week when Brimbank CEO Bill Jaboor sent an email to staff stating that it was illegal for council to pay employees in full if they engage in a partial work ban.
“The Fair Work Act does not compel or force the CEO to reduce the pay of employees,” he said.
“We think it is a disgrace that the CEO has chosen to threaten workers in this way.”
Star Weekly has contacted Brimbank council for comment.
Read next week’s copy of Star Weekly in your letterbox and watch this website for the full story.
