Darwin City Council

What are Management Really Offering?

Negotiations for your wages and conditions have progressed. During the last two meetings further common ground has been explored about improvements to your current conditions. On 8 December management confirmed their offer in writing and details of a 19 day month for all staff and of their claim to alter sick leave provisions. Progress on all staff claims will be in a bulletin after the next meeting.

There are two items that urgently require your feedback before the next bargaining meeting on Thursday 15 December. Please read this document and then head to the links to ensure you provide feedback to your ASU Bargaining Reps.

Management Offer -19 Day Month

Management have offered a 19 Day Fortnight to all indoor staff (currently available to outdoor staff) on the condition that the hours worked per week increase from 36.25 Hours to 38 hours a week at the same annual rate (or a decrease in your hourly rate).

Work Life Balance for more than 10,000 extra employee hours?

Your ASU is concerned that when asking for work life balance Council have responded 'yes to flexibility' but at a cost of 10,000 additional employee hours each year. The offer is not 'flexible' as it requires all staff to participate without options on flexibility.

More Money in Council's Pocket/ Hourly Rate Decrease

The proposed model will take away overtime rates from some employees and will put more money in the pocket of Council as well as the extra time provided by employees. The changes in the hourly rate also reduce your annual leave and long service leave amounts.

These changes equate to an hourly pay rate decrease of over 4.5%, taking away from your actual pay increase.

Significant Reduction in your Leave Entitlements

The value of your leave would become significantly less due to a decrease in hourly rate (these items are paid based on hours).

Alternatives for Flexibility or a 19 Day Month
Time Off In Lieu of overtime (TOIL) can be used to gain 'spare hours' and to manage work and family life; there are already staff using these conditions. Utilising TOIL in a fair manner would allow employees time off for the time they worked. Also RDOs could be arranged in other flexible ways that present a fair, healthy and more appropriate alternative than employees having to increase hours and decrease their entitlements just have a day off per month.

Work Two Days, Get One Off

Management's offer is requesting close to two extra days of work during the month for one day off; this is not work life balance.

Your ASU is aware that many of you would like access to the RDO and 19 Day month (it is in your claim) however we are concerned about the details; we urgently need your feedback.

Council Claim - Sick Leave Certificates

Council is proposing that staff present medical certificates for two or more consecutive days off without statutory declarations being accepted. Your ASU view is that this may not be appropriate to all families and may place unnecessary pressure on your local health provider. Again, we need your feedback.

Download Questionnare or visit the Survey Site to complete your questionnaire online @ http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ASU_DCC_EB
and use password: MyConditions

Please submit your feedback by close of business Wednesday 14th December

ASU members have been making a difference to the wages and conditions at Darwin City Council during enterprise bargaining for many years; it now your opportunity as a member to again be making a difference and encouraging others to engage.

Please ask others to join with you in addressing these issues; a membership form can be found on our website www.asu-sant.asn.au

Download File:
Darwin City Council Questionnaire [ rtf ]