A dispute was lodged with the Industrial Relations Commission late 2024 regarding insufficient resourcing for the Coffs Harbour lifeguards.
The lifeguards had requested the backfilling of a position and a review of on-call arrangements for permanent employees but were not having their voices heard.
After the dispute was lodged, a meeting was held with representatives of Coffs Harbour City Council and USU officials to discuss the matter and work toward a resolution. Subsequently Council has been far more receptive and has decided to work with the lifeguards to establish appropriate arrangements during the busy season.
Casual staff have been employed to cover the shortage, and an arrangement has been made to implement casuals into the on-call system.
A review will be conducted at the end of the season to address inefficiencies within the team and create a sustainable approach moving forward. As the Lifeguards Team is currently satisfied with the result, the matter has been discontinued in the commission and the lifeguards remain hopeful that this review will lead to better working conditions and more adequate staffing levels in the future.
