Employees of the Hobart City Council represented by the Australian Services Union (ASU) have “overwhelmingly voted” in favour of taking protected industrial action.
The move comes after the council proposed an ‘inadequate’ enterprise agreement that includes a 3% pay rise for the first two years, according to the union.
ASU organisers are today holding meetings with members to encourage them to reject the proposal and “get management back to the table”.
“This is a substandard offer which also proposes to lock you into a bad deal for four long years,” the ASU said.
“The stark reality is many of these workers are paid less than their mainland counterparts.”
“These workers turn up in an emergency. As we’ve seen recently during storms, floods and fires they can be relied on.”
The potential industrial action could cost the council thousands of dollars a day and involve various measures, including stop-work actions, overtime bans and the refusal to collect fines and rates.
According to the council’s 2023-24 budget, it estimates daily revenue from parking fines and carparking at around $80,300.
Despite the action, the council has reiterated its commitment to supporting staff while ensuring financial sustainability.
Chief executive Michael Stretton said the council respects the right of employees to launch industrial action but its ‘comprehensive offer’ remains on the table.
