06-08-2024
Upper Lachlan Shire Council will remain open and operational during the proposed strike from United Services Union Members (USU)
On Tuesday 6 August 2024 Council was advised of the intention that some USU members will be participating in a strike following the proposed draft structure changes to the organisation.
As per the Local Government State Award 2023 Council are at the proposal stage of Section 42 workplace change.
“Council CEO Alex Waldron said “Following a meeting at 8:00am this morning with USU organisers, I am disappointed that the USU have decided to continue with pre-orchestrated industrial action. The Unions actions during this process have been unnecessary and detrimental to the health and wellbeing of staff. The fact of the matter is Councils are facing unprecedented financial pressures, funding cuts, cost shifting and increased demands. This is completely unsustainable.
Council have entered into this process in good faith, having undertaken significant consultation with staff over the last six months which has included service reviews, efficiencies of directorates, and structure reviews and will continue to consult with potentially affected staff. This industrial action is not beneficial to this process.
As a CEO who is living and raising my family in this community I am acutely aware of the impacts this may have on ratepayers and I have taken this into consideration during this process.
Upper Lachlan Shire Council like many other Councils need to increase revenue and/or reduce operational costs in order to be financially sustainable, reducing the current structure by 18.7 full time equivalent roles (equal to 22 positions) will ultimately save future jobs.”