After months of determined advocacy and tireless communication from USU delegates at Port Macquarie Hastings Council, our members have claimed a significant win with the announcement of long-overdue upgrades to their lunchroom facilities.
In recent months, Port Macquarie Hastings Council WHS representatives had raised safety concerns over areas of the works depot, often pointing the finger at various work groups for their “lack of maintenance”. However, due to the prospect of a new depot on the elusive horizon, no funding had been allocated for upgrades – until now.
Recently, staff were informed that they were to utilise the allocated lunchroom for
breaks, instead of congregating in their work sheds, which had been common practice due to the lack of adequate space. Council staff rallied together, signing a petition which outlined the lack of maintenance, safety concerns and inadequacies of their current break room facilities.
The issue had been continually raised by workers who voiced frustration about outdated, cramped, and unhygienic conditions. Facilities often lacked basics such as, adequate seating, routine cleaning, and operational appliances. For employees who spend long hours in physically demanding roles, the conditions were unacceptable.
In addition to the petition, USU Delegates brought the issue to the table through regular Consultative Committee meetings—a forum designed for structured dialogue between Council management and employee representatives. While initial conversations were slow-moving, persistence paid off. USU Delegates presented feedback from staff, shared photos of the current conditions, and advocated for immediate improvements.
This dual-pronged approach—a strong show of support, with structured consultation combined proved effective in the end. Ultimately, Council agreed to a comprehensive overhaul of lunchroom facilities at the Port Macquarie Depot. The upgrades are currently under construction, and include:
- New furniture, including ergonomic chairs and expanded table space,
- Kitchenette refurbishments with microwaves, fridges, and filtered water,
- The addition of a TV for Council updates,
- Adequate air conditioning, and
- Regular cleaning and maintenance protocols
The local USU Organiser Zac Sheather has praised the result as “a testament to the strength of collective voice and the importance of Union membership”. The win has shown what’s possible when workers speak up and stand together, as this matter was not just about a lunchroom—it was about respect, dignity, and basic working conditions.
