Rising fuel prices continue to place pressure on local government workers travelling to and from work every day.

The USU has been advocating on this issue for some time, keeping members informed, lodging a Splinter Award to pursue practical workplace solutions, and continuing discussions with the Local Government Award parties.

That advocacy has now resulted in a Joint Statement on Fuel Prices, encouraging councils to work with employees to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs.

Practical Workplace Solutions

The Joint Statement encourages councils to consider a range of measures, including:

  • Flexible work arrangements, including working from home where appropriate.
  • Flexible start and finish times.
  • Variations to ordinary hours and rosters, including four-day working weeks where operationally suitable.
  • Public transport incentives and other cost-of-living support.
  • Practical operational changes that help reduce employees’ fuel costs.

Importantly, the statement also encourages employers and employees to use Consultative Committees to discuss local solutions that meet the needs of individual workplaces.

The Advocacy Continues

While the Joint Statement is an important step, the USU will continue advocating for practical measures that help ease cost-of-living pressures for local government workers.

DOWNLOAD THE JOINT STATEMENT HERE.