In 2021, the waste drivers at Blacktown City Council faced a significant change: the removal of ‘job and finish’ as a working condition. At this time, a settlement was reached, offering allowances and mandatory overtime to compensate the workers for the loss of this condition.
This arrangement was grand parented – which was a win for USU members at the time. However, since this time, several new staff started in this role with a base hourly rate significantly lower than the long-serving colleagues, creating an atmosphere of inequity and low motivation.
For over a year, meetings were held with Council, but progress was painstakingly slow. Meanwhile, members stood united, discussing strategies to address this pressing issue.
Members came together and passed motions enforcing overtime restrictions, bans on truck refuelling, and a commitment that all waste drivers would not work Union Picnic Day, 14 March 2025.
Your Union listed the matter in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and the following day members demonstrated incredible solidarity, accepting an offer that ensured fairness for all waste drivers:
- A $65 daily allowance and $28.68 side-loader allowance for relevant permanent and casual staff.
- Back payment of the allowance(s) to relevant permanent and casual staff from 1 October 2024.
- Council will review an increase to the allowance(s) for those relevant staff in 12 months’ time.
- Monthly meetings to be held between Council and the USU to review the waste manual which covers all aspects of the waste roles.
Members have expressed a heartfelt thank you to delegate Chris Boyd and the USU for the support and assistance in resolving this matter.
