The USU represents staff who work at the ACT Legislative Assembly as staffers for ministers and members. Commonly known as LAMS staff, these members work in a range of roles from policy and media advisers to office managers. These members provide a vital service for the territory and residents of Canberra.
Delegates Teleatha Holohan and Rhys Thompson
Despite the critical work that our members deliver they continue to face high workloads and long hours. This is compounded by the fact that members are often expected to work overtime during busy periods such as during the preparation of the annual territory budget.
The primary way the USU works to improve the working conditions for LAMS members is through enterprise bargaining negotiations. The current enterprise agreement for these members is due to expire in March next year, with bargaining meeting scheduled to commence in early December. Bargaining will provide an opportunity for the USU to advocate and provide direct feedback to decision makers and managers.
The USU has consulted our LAMS members and developed a log of claims that seeks to address several issues such as the accumulation of time of in lieu hours, the inability to have some overtime hours recognised through additional money payments or leave entitlements and the inability for staff to participate in a realistic salary progression system.
Delegates Teleatha Holohan and Rhys Thompson will be at the bargaining table representing USU members and advocating for the claims put forward by members. We are hopeful that Government representatives will engage openly and in good faith to improve the working conditions of our members.
