Councils under pressure not to offer AWAs

September 28, 2005
Issue 

Kim Bullimore and Ben Courtice, Melbourne

A motion by councillor Stephen Jolly for all City of Yarra council contract workers to have enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs) rather than individual contracts (AWAs) failed to get up at the council's September 13 meeting.

Jolly, who is a member of the Socialist Party, told Green Left Weekly that the ALP and conservative independent councillors Jackie Frastacky and Judy Morton voted against the motion and in favour of a report by council officers to assess if it is "too expensive to treat workers decently".

According to Jolly, "the ALP showed its true colours" at the meeting. "They were quite happy to attack Howard's IR changes, but when it comes to doing anything about it they back out." Jolly said that the ALP supported a motion in August for EBAs for permanent council workers, but refused to support the same for contract workers such as garbage collectors, who are some of the lowest paid.

After his motion was defeated Jolly then withdrew another motion to hang public banners opposing the IR changes, arguing "it would be fake" if the council did not support EBAs for all workers, contract and permanent. However, the motion was moved by the Greens, and passed. Subsequently, councillor Frastacky has foreshadowed a motion to rescind the banner decision.

Council employees' industrial rights will be a feature of the Socialist Alliance campaign in the Maribyrnong Council election on November 26. Alliance candidate for the Ironbark ward Jorge Jorquera told Green Left Weekly that Socialist Alliance "will be campaigning to ensure the council sticks to its position that no employee will be forced onto an AWA". The alliance wants this extended to all workers, including contract workers, said Jorquera. "We want to make the City of Maribyrnong an AWA-free zone", he said.

To get involved in the Socialist Alliance Maribyrnong Council campaign email: <melbwest@socialist-alliance.org> or phone (03) 9639 8622 or 0431 312 364.

From Green Left Weekly, September 28, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

You need Green Left, and we need you!

Green Left is funded by contributions from readers and supporters. Help us reach our funding target.

Make a One-off Donation or choose from one of our Monthly Donation options.

Become a supporter to get the digital edition for $5 per month or the print edition for $10 per month. One-time payment options are available.

You can also call 1800 634 206 to make a donation or to become a supporter. Thank you.