One month ago the 2024 NSW Local Government Award pay-rise and bonus payment commenced. There’s been a few frequently asked questions about these, so we thought we’d include them here to try and reach as many members as possible.

Pay-rise eligibility

If you’re employed by a local council under the NSW Local Government Award, you should have received your 2024 pay-rise of 3.5% by now.

All council employees are entitled to the pay-rise – including casuals.

If you’ve only very recently moved up in the salary system, you should still get the 3.5% pay-rise, in addition to your salary progression related pay-rise.  

As long as you are employed directly by council, rather than a separate contractor, you are entitled to the pay-rise.

How do I know if I’ve been given the pay-rise?

Check your most recent pay-slip. Specifically, check your hourly rate and your pay period.

Your hourly rate should be on your payslip whether you are paid a salary or an hourly wage.

Your pay period start and end dates should both be in July 2024.

Look at a June 2024 pay-slip and check the hourly rate – your July payslip’s hourly rate should be higher.

If your most recent payslip does not show a higher hourly rate and the pay period is in July 2024, speak to your workplace delegate or USU Organiser.

Bonus payment eligibility

The bonus payment of $1000 (pre-tax) has some additional eligibility requirements:

  • You need to have at least 12 months continuous service at your current council as of 30 June 2024.
    • This does include ongoing or permanent casuals – such as childcare workers who only work during the school term but have an ongoing employment contract.
    • Unfortunately, for the purposes of the bonus payment, service at a previous council does not count towards your 12 months. This means if you transferred from another council less than 12 months prior to 30 June 2024, you are not eligible for the 2024 bonus.
  • You are employed by council directly, not a separate contractor. If you work at a local council as a contractor for another company, you are not employed under the NSW Local Government Award. This means you are not entitled to Award conditions such as the bonus payment.
  • You are employed on a permanent basis. Both full and part-time employees are eligible, as are permanent casuals with ongoing employment contracts. If you are part-time, your bonus will be paid on a pro-rata basis.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the bonus payment but have not received it, check your two most recent payslips. If the bonus isn’t listed anywhere, speak to your delegate or USU Organiser.