The ACT has recently had the pleasure of welcoming new members from ActewAGL. As early as October last year this site had no members. Members began to join after realising that there was no active union to advocate for their rights during the impending round of enterprise bargaining. The USU was able to let those members know that we would stand by their side during bargaining.
Since that time, we have seen considerable membership growth and input from these new members on the issues that matter to workers at this site. A delegate team has also been established. Timeframes have proved tight, but members have worked with the USU to develop a comprehensive log of claims that seeks to address what is important to members.
Issues have included pay rates falling well behind inflation, salary progression and the use of labour hire as a method of sourcing employees. Pay is the key priority for members with significant concerns that recent pay rises have not kept up with large spikes in inflation especially as the economy was recovering from the pandemic. For example, in 2022 inflation was around 7% but ActewAGL only gave their employees a 2% pay rise. Members have expressed angst that their real wages and resulting purchasing have continued to be eroded given inflation’s compounding effect over the years.
USU bargaining representatives are ready to present our log of claims and to encourage ActewAGL to accept our points at the table. We are hopeful that the USU can deliver practical and substantive outcomes for our members.
