After many months of meetings and discussions between the USU and Wentworth Shire Council, a new salary system in which staff progress at least 1.25% annually without needing to learn new skills, acquire further qualifications or perform at an exceptional level has been implemented.
Wentworth Shire Council workplace delegate and Riverina Branch member Ross Gilbert.
Under the new system, progression will be automatic for qualifying staff members. These staff members will receive their pay increase on the anniversary of their commencement at Wentworth. To qualify, an employee at council needs to have performed their duties satisfactorily and not had any disciplinary matters on their record over the previous 12 month period.
As part of the roll out of the new system, many staff will automatically be elevated to the next step in the system than they are currently on while maintaining their annual appraisal date.
While 1.25% in itself is not a massive increase, this new system means staff are able to progress more than one grade each year if they demonstrate that their performance has been at a higher level and/or they acquire new skills that enhance what they bring to the role.
In other words, staff who are performing at the highest levels and who are always growing their skills can potentially reach grade 15 (the highest grade) within several years. Under the previous system, it could take up to 21 years to ‘max out’.
While we are yet to find the perfect salary system, this is a major step forward for the staff at Wentworth Shire Council, most of whom are happy with the outcomes achieved.
Particular thanks must go to the local delegate, Ross Gilbert for his commitment to his colleagues. Ross is an outstanding Delegate who has earned the respect of all during this process. Ross has worked tirelessly on behalf of his colleagues in gathering information and arranging meetings which has provided valuable assistance to the USU to work with Council and provide better conditions for all employees. Well done and congratulations to you Ross.
In addition to Ross, Organiser for Riverina Brian Harrington, South region Industrial Officer Stuart Geddes, Peter Bell from LGNSW, Council’s General Manager Ken Ross and HR Manager Glen Norris all played a part in securing a better deal for every worker at Wentworth Shire Council.
