Following negotiations in late 2024, USU members have unanimously voted to accept a new Enterprise Agreement, significantly improving the terms and conditions of employment for USU members at Cessnock City Council.

The USU is pleased with this outcome, viewing it as a testament to the collective efforts of the USU membership at Cessnock City Council.

Main Features:

The supported Agreement which is underpinned by the Local Govnerment Award includes the following new or enhanced features: A three-year term commencing from the proposed ratification date of 1 March 2025.

  • An additional 3% in superannuation to be paid and enshrined over the life of the Agreement.
  • Two days of additional concessional leave granted each holiday period.
  • A 9-day fortnight option enshrined in the agreement, if sought.
  • No loss of non-certified personal leave periods if a sick leave period is supported by proof of illness (doctor’s certificate or statutory declaration).
  • Further job security clauses to support members during any workplace changes.
  • Removal of proposed reviews or changes to the on-call additional payment.
  • An increase to the Gravesite Allowance and further indexed to the Award.

Trade-Offs?

The USU confirms that, due to the collective strength of USU membership at Cessnock City Council, there are only improvements in the current proposed Enterprise Agreement. All existing conditions are maintained and enhanced, with no confirmed trade-offs or reduction of conditions.

The USU membership has been integral in improving employment conditions at Cessnock, and this agreement continues that record.

The USU recognises the following delegates who have represented USU members at each meeting and should be very proud of their efforts. They have also provided excellent support to USU Officials Luke Hutchinson and Stuart Stark, who personally thank each delegate for their support and engagement throughout this successful process:

Glenn George, Leah Stothard,  Kevin Crebert, David Crebert, Jessica Elliott, Jason Mullee

 

The new agreement is due to be formally ratified before the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission in late March 2025.