The United Services Union is calling out Hilltops Council over its proposed recommendation to be brought to its Ordinary Meeting to be held on Wednesday October 27.
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The recommendation states that Council:
(a) Authorise the General Manager to implement an immediate staff and wage freeze allowing only for recruitment of essential positions
(b) Commence a review of the use consultants and contractors to maximise efficiency and contain costs
(c) Implement a staff cost reduction equivalent of up to 30 per cent of total council wages
(d) Commence discussion with the community regarding levels of service within Council's policies and financial limitations
(e) Immediately identify assets suitable for divestment purposes for Council to consider in a confidential report
(f) Following the Local Government elections, immediately commence discussions regarding the consideration of a Special Rate Variation to be enacted in the 2024 financial year.
The United Services Union issued a statement on Tuesday in which it said Council will be in talks with Union representatives on Wednesday as they dispute the proposal.
"In an appalling breach of the NSW Local Government State Award, the USU intervened immediately and took the Council to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission," the statement read.
"The Commission issued a recommendation that all proposed actions by Council be stopped.
"Council has been ordered into urgent talks with the Union which will take place on Wednesday, October 27.
"Further, the Commission remains ready to hear the case urgently if discussions fail."
United Services Union has said its General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM will be taking part in these discussions with Hilltops Council's General Manager on Wednesday.
Hilltops Council's October Ordinary Meeting is being held from 4.30pm on Wednesday, October 27.
It is understood that Council staff were told last week of the recommendation with Councillor Matthew Stadtmiller posting about the proposal on Facebook over the weekend.
