By NOEL MURPHY
CITY Hall is threatening to dock staff wages over legitimate work bans as they chase a new pay agreement, according to their union.
“Since last week, council was given the appropriate notice of when bans would commence yet our members have come under attack by management,” said Australian Services Union (ASU) organiser Melissa Wainwright.
“It included a group of employees being told by their manager that if they participated they would remain in the depot yards all day.
“Other comments from the HR department surround docking people’s pay and identifying union members by asking who would participate and what bans they would be implementing.”
The ASU described City Hall’s offer – a 10 per cent rise over three years plus other improved benefits and conditions – as “sub-standard” and accused council of “intimidating” members.
“Why does council believe ASU members should be threatened, sent home or have details of the bans they’re participating in documented and sent to payroll for processing of deductions?” Ms Wainwright said.
“This is a violation of our members’ rights.”
The bans include issuing infringements and invoices, accepting rates payments, responding to emails, mowing parks and reserves, cleaning selected public toilets and open spaces and emptying bins.
City Hall said only 310 of about 2600 employees had voted to take protected action.
Organisation development manager Andrew Keen said the City was trying to clarify the nature of the “periodic” bans.
“It is…important to clearly understand the bans so the city can maintain workplace and community safety and to minimise disruption to council services,” Mr Keen said.
“Unfortunately, this clarity has not been forthcoming and council is still unaware of the exact nature and timing of the bans.”
Mr Keen said council would continue trying to negotiate with the ASU but most staff would like an opportunity to vote on the proposed agreement.
