Workers at Weddin Shire Council have taken a snap action protesting against over casualisaton of the workforce.
Members have reported to their union, the United Services Union (USU), staff have been forced to work in casualised positions but working full time hours with no real job security.
The arrangement has fuelled ongoing concerns the council is proposing to stand down these casualised staff as a wholesale cost saving measure, perhaps with a view to contracting out the work completely.
Reports have been provided to the USU the council has even gone as far to institute multiple salary systems for casual employees of different employment conditions.
The USU wrote to the council two weeks ago and is yet to receive a response.
Mr Rudi Oppitz, from the USU, says members are very concerned about their jobs.
“The actions of this council are reprehensible, we have workers who have been working full time in what would be permanent positions, for years,” said Mr Oppitz.
“Now staff say they have been left in insecure work and have their jobs under threat with no certainty of entitlements.
“The actions of Weddin Shire Council are not good enough, these workers are entitled to permanent employment and the council has been breaching the Award by having workers on a casual basis replacing permanent jobs.
“Our members are calling for casual staff to be appropriately classified in the permanent positions they occupy.
“Enough is enough, this community relies on council positions and the hard working staff deserve secure employment.
“We are calling on Weddin Shire Council to convert all staff who have been working on an ongoing basis as casuals to be given permanent employment.”
Contact: Rudi Oppitz 0409 662 460
