The United Services Union has applauded City of Sydney Councillors who voted to reverse last week’s heartless decision to cease paying hundreds of casual and part-time staff amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The union was shocked at the decision that left these loyal employees out in the cold.
“Despite years of loyal service to the City of Sydney these workers were treated with complete contempt, simply receiving an email that informed them they had lost their job, effective immediately,” USU General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM said.
Now, following pressure from the unions, Councillor Linda Scott and other councillors, those members will be reinstated.
The union particularly thanked Ms Scott for her hard work on behalf of these workers.
As a consequence of this pressure, at last night’s City of Sydney meeting Lord Mayor Clover Moore showed she had listened, agreeing to reinstate the City’s part time and casual workforce after only days ago standing them down.
According to Councillor Linda Scott, residents and businesses are calling out for more support from the City of Sydney, not less.
“We can’t deliver these services without our invaluable staff who are providing the increased essential community services, including online library borrowings and street cleansing, that we need during the COVID19 pandemic,” said Ms Scott, who thanked the United Services Union and their members for their advocacy on this matter.
“It is fantastic to have a win for these hard working staff members, however it is only the beginning. We will continue to fight for all jobs throughout local government and other industries during this Covid-19 crisis and beyond,” Mr Kelly said.
“I thank Councillor Linda Scott for her hard work advocating on behalf of City of Sydney casual and part-time workers to ensure the decision was withdrawn. I also thank Shadow Minister for Local Government Greg Warren for his support of these workers.
“In particular I thank our members for continuing to support each other during these unprecedented times.”
