This year has been tumultuous for Liverpool City Council members. In April, your Union was alerted that 150 jobs were at risk. Our members rallied behind CEO John Ajaka, who was ultimately terminated. We believe his dismissal, led by Mayor Ned Mannoun, was unjust and stemmed from Mr Ajaka’s refusal to sack USU members.
In May, the Office of Local Government launched an investigation into the Council’s concerning employment practices, the construction of Liverpool Civic Place and any related matters that came to light. The findings are currently with the Minister for Local Government for consideration. We thank all members who participated in this investigation.
During Mr Ajaka’s tenure, the Council enjoyed industrial stability. However, since acting CEO Jason Breton took over, disputes have surged. In the past two months, numerous issues have been brought before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (NSW IRC), including:
- Non-payment of staff
- Use of contractors
- Loss of accrued flex time
- Workplace bans
- Poor workplace safety processes
- Threats to members’ safety
- Workplace surveillance policy
On 24th May, Commissioner Sloan conciliated with the parties, including Mayor Ned Mannoun. The Mayor and Council committed to specific actions to restore industrial harmony but failed to follow through, leading to a worsening situation.
Currently, the USU is banned from entering worksites to support and advise members. In an unprecedented move, the Council demands that USU organisers use their Right of Entry under the Industrial Relations Act, restricting access to mealtimes and meal rooms only. This limits your Unions ability to represent members in investigations, disciplinary actions, and grievance meetings.
Your Union remains undeterred and continues meeting members in public areas at worksites. Pictured: USU Organiser Sandie Morthen outside the Rose St Admin Office
For correspondence between the Union and Council, visit here.
Council Chaos: Contractors Take Over!
Recently, Liverpool City Council has relied more on contractors, contributing to the job security concerns among members. Contractors are doing work usually handled by members in areas such as:
Parks Maintenance
Parks work, usually done by Councils parks teams, has been given to contractors. There is evidence, these contractors often fail to meet the same safety standards, resulting in poor-quality work. When the public complains, members are unfairly criticized on social media and in person.
Civil Construction
Council recently undertook a large footpath asphalting project, overlooking skilled USU members for the job. Initial correspondence from Council indicated that members were unskilled which is false. Your Union is actively following up on this matter.
Theatre Staff
During a visit to the Council chambers, USU discovered contractors setting up for meetings. Council later confirmed that technical theatre work including setting up technology for meetings has been outsourced. This unacceptable move is under investigation by your union.
The situation has caused serious concerns among USU members. Unfortunately, both the Mayor and acting CEO have refused to engage with your Union delegates and staff, making it nearly impossible to resolve these issues.
Government Intervention
On July 18, 2024, the Minister for Local Government released a report on the Council investigation, revealing serious, widespread concerns. As a result, a public inquiry will now be held, and the Council will face suspension.
You can read the report here: Liverpool – Interim section 430 Report
We encourage all USU members to stand united and stay informed. Together, we will hold those in power accountable and fight for a secure and fair working environment.
