The United Services Union (USU) has lodged a dispute with the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission (NSW IRC) regarding the length of the annual shutdown period proposed by Cessnock City Council.
Council has advised that the shutdown period will run from 24 December 2026 to 11 January 2027.
The USU’s position is that any annual shutdown period should be no longer than two weeks, in accordance with the Award. The USU is particularly concerned about the impact on members who will be unable to return to work on 7 and 8 January 2027.
Following recommendations made by the NSW IRC on 16 September 2026, the USU has been directed to provide further information to both Council and the Commission regarding members’ concerns.
To assist us in representing your interests, we are holding two USU mass member meetings and requesting USU members complete a short survey on Friday 18 September:
Meeting 1
Works Depot – Friday 18 September 2026 – 6:30am
Meeting 2
Hybrid – Online and Cessnock Administration Building – Friday 18 September 2026 – 9:00am
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/43525533624644?p=WTMq4Zsjcy3AuzYjhC
Can’t attend a meeting? Have your say here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cessnock2026
The USU is by your side, if you need any assistance, please contact your local USU Delegate or USU Organiser Mr Dave McLachlan on 0418 227 387 or dmclachlan@usu.org.au
