The recent statements from Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris Homer completely misses the point on the United Services Union’s condemnation of his and his team of Independents’ decision to oppose a motion for the LGNSW conference to mandate minimum apprentice numbers.
“Mayor Homer needs to open his eyes and look at what is occurring across the industry of Local Government. We are facing a crisis with an aging workforce and an urgent need to attract young people into the industry. All councils across the state face this issue,” said USU General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM.
“Councils engage with the United Services Union raising the issue of a need to attract Apprentices and Trainees and seek state funding to assist. It’s well and good to say one size doesn’t fit all but Mayor Homer clearly has no idea of the crises our state faces.
“The motion to the LGNSW conference, the peak industry policy setting body, by the Labor councillors was an opportunity for Shellharbour to be a leader in this push for growth in apprenticeships. This motion was a chance to show real leadership within the industry and voting it down for political point scoring is inexcusable.”
“The United Services Union understands the needs of our industry, the needs of the workers we represent and the needs of unemployed youth in regional NSW. The only misrepresentations are coming from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor as their voting record against proposals for job creation and lack of debate on this motion are clear for all to see. “
“The mayor owes an apology to the Youth of NSW that he has let down by choosing to vote against a policy proposal that would create real careers for our youth giving them vital skills that would deliver much needed renewal in an industry of 55,000 employees across NSW.”
Media contact John Hill 0412 197 079
