Private operator Regional Infrastructure will take over management of the livestock centre from the Ballarat City Council on May 1.

The Courier understands council managers told workers at a meeting last week that a transfer of business would take place between the council and the company .

Australian Services Union organiser Danny Harris said a transfer of business usually meant "a logo and jumper change for workers and that's about it".

But workers were told there was no guarantee they would have jobs with the new owners. Instead, they would have to reapply for advertised positions.

The workers believe it is unlikely the company will employ them because of the cost of taking on their entitlements.

Mr Harris said if there was no guarantee of jobs after May 1, an enterprise agreement required the council to offer workers another job, retraining or redundancy payments.

"(But) it seems to be quite clear there are no opportunities for these employees, therefore the severance entitlements should be paid ASAP so they can get on with their lives and seek other employment," Mr Harris said.

One worker said the council had given little warning about what would happen to employees before last week's meeting.

"I reckon we treat the animals we sell in the yard better than we've been treated," the worker said.

About six full-time staff and other casual employees are affected.

Ballarat City Council chief executive officer Anthony Schinck said the negotiations involved sensitive discussions about individuals' jobs.

"It's an ongoing discussion and council has met all these staff. They have been informed of the situation," he said.

Regional Infrastructure was contacted for comment, but did not respond yesterday.