Representing the council employees, including community carers and cleaners, the union said that management at the City of Ballarat had rejected requests for a fair pay deal, including more money and recognition of a family violence clause. 

Australian Services Union organiser Dave Beckley said that management was holding fast in its rejection of a fair pay deal and had highlighted a lack of regard for its hard-working staff. 

“We have put forward a modest claim that potentially saves council thousands of dollars in wage blowouts, but management have refused this, stating they want to give bigger pay rises to their top level staff,” Mr Beckley said. 

“We just want to see those who actually do the work at the council get rewarded for their efforts and continue to be able to keep their heads above water.”

Mr Beckley also said the council was against the support of a family violence clause within contracts. 

“Management at the council has stated the clause is not needed and too costly,” he said. 

“We have tried to include the family violence clause topic in negotiations on several occasions, urging management to take an internal lead on this matter.”

Family violence clauses include conditions whereby employees are entitled to paid leave if they experience family or domestic violence.

City of Ballarat acting chief executive officer Glenn Kallio said the council was committed to negotiating the best EBA and conditions for its staff and that talks were still ongoing. 

“We re-affirmed our commitment to negotiating with the ASU as recently as Tuesday, July 2, 2013,” Mr Kallio said. 

“The media release by the ASU is not constructive in its intent and will cause unnecessary concern amongst staff represented by this union.”

patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au