Earlier this year, USU members at Cumberland City Council successfully defended a workplace change they had already won… a 6:00am start time during the summer period.
The earlier start had been negotiated by members to help them manage the heat and work more safely and efficiently throughout Daylight Saving.
While the arrangement was widely welcomed, confusion arose regarding its end date. Members understood the 6:00am start would continue through to the conclusion of Daylight Saving, however management advised that from Monday, 2 March 2026, staff were required to revert to standard hours of 6:30am–3:00pm.
Determined to uphold what had been agreed, Union Delegates met with management to resolve the issue. When discussions failed to reach a satisfactory outcome, members formally lodged a grievance.
In a strong show of unity, 60 workers signed on in support.
In accordance with the dispute resolution procedures of the Local Government (State) Award 2023, the USU invoked provisions requiring existing work practices to continue, as far as practicable, while the matter was being addressed. Following further discussions with senior management, agreement was reached to maintain the 6:00am start through to the end of Daylight Saving.
While a 30-minute shift may seem small, it delivered meaningful benefits, helping workers beat the heat, improve safety, and achieve better work-life balance.
