By Luke Voogt
Geelong library staff are threatening strikes amid claims they are among the “lowest-paid” in Victoria.
Australian Services Union (ASU) recently announced “possible industrial action” at 17 Geelong branches and mobile services ranging from wearing union t-shirts at work to strikes.
“Geelong Regional [Library Corporation] (GRLC) has been lauded as the best library service in Victoria, but its almost 200-strong workforce is one of the lowest-paid,” ASU secretary Lisa Darmanin said.
Ms Darmanin slammed “management’s most recent below-inflation pay offer” saying employees “resoundingly rejected” it.
“Library staff are also fighting for basic safety measures including having all libraries staffed by two people and a permanent security presence at the main library,” she said.
“Union members at GRLC are beyond frustrated with library management; they are angry that their legitimate pay and workplace safety concerns are being ignored.
“GRLC can avoid disruptive industrial action by making a fair pay offer and by implementing the important workplace safety measures staff are demanding.”
But during 2020 ASU rejected GRLC’s several proposals to postpone negotiations – due to COVID-19 – with a pay increase, the organisation said in statement on Monday.
GRLC made a final offer last November including a 2.5 and 2.2 per cent pay rise for its two lowest pay grades, and one per cent for four higher pay grades.
The offer includes pay rises for subsequent years of 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 per cent for all pay grades.
The proposed pay rates, amid significant coronavirus-related revenue loss, compared favourably with other libraries in regional cities and rural areas, the corporation said.
“The pay increases proposed … represent a generous offer given the tight fiscal conditions the organisation is operating under. The ASU’s request in regards to pay increases far exceeded what the GRLC could sustain.”
GRLC’s chief executive officer (CEO) Patti Manolis resigned in March, meaning the organisation is unable to continue bargaining until new CEO Vanessa Schernickau commences in June, according to the corporation.
Interim CEO Marie O’Dell said GRLC was committed to engaging in “good faith” in “a way” that “doesn’t impact our communities any further”.
In 2019/20 GRLC paid $9,691,778 to its 191 workers at an average of $88,671 per full-time equivalent employee (109.3) compared to $86,244 in 2018/19, according to its latest annual report.
GRLC declined to provide further information on employee salaries or the salary of its previous, interim or new CEO.
“We are not able to disclose the personal information of our employees, including salaries,” a spokesperson said.
In 2017 GRLC confirmed Ms Manolis earned $181,000 per year, plus superannuation and a provided car.
