City of Melton workers strike with Australian Services Union for better pay amid claims of staff exodus

“Cut grass not our entitlements”: City of Melton staff are striking for the first time in decades amid claims of a staff exodus. Read why.

Council staff are deserting Melton’s town hall in droves, according to the services union, as workers strike for the first time in decades to demand better pay.

Melton City Council staff began strike action from 12pm on Thursday after negotiations for better pay and conditions have seemingly broken down.

Melton City Council joined with ASU organisers to strike for better pay and conditions amid claims staff are leaving to nearby unions with better pay. Picture: Nilsson Jones

According to the Australian Services Union, Melton’s council workers earn on average 10 per cent less than they would at other councils in Melbourne’s west.

It follows claims staff have left Melton council and taken up employment at other similarly sized councils for far better pay.

The strike is understood to include a ban in issuing planning permits, and indefinite or periodic bans on after-hours stray dog pick-ups, school-time parking patrols, and issuing compliance notices.

ASU deputy secretary, Tash Wark led staff who went on strike for better pay and conditions amid claims staff are leaving to nearby unions with better pay. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Workers are also expected to interrupt or stop works to place union campaign material in areas normally used for council signage.

ASU deputy branch secretary Tash Wark said members would talk to locals about how Council must immediately address the “staff exodus” at Melton so they can return to providing quality community services.

“Our good faith bargaining has been stalled for months as the council drag their feet coming back to the table,” Ms Wark said.

Melton City Council joined with ASU organisers to strike for better pay and conditions amid claims staff are leaving to nearby unions with better pay. Picture: Nilsson Jones

“This action will send a message to council: the only deal our workers will accept is pay parity with other similar councils,” she said.

“Staff are leaving Melton in droves, union members want to stop these losses so they can keep providing continuous services.”

Ms Wark said workers were paid as much as $12,000 a year less compared to the same positions at other councils.

Melton City Council joined with ASU organisers to strike for better pay and conditions amid claims staff are leaving to nearby unions with better pay. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Staff and union members have previously left messaging on company vehicles expressing their disapproval of current working conditions.

City of Melton chief executive Roslyn Wai said a formal EBA offer would be tabled on Thursday afternoon.

“On the back of proposal information shared with our workforce yesterday we are hearing positive feedback,” Ms Wai said.

“We look forward to progressing in good faith,” she said.

Cr Steve Abboushi and Melton MP Steve McGhie both attended the protest and made short speeches.

Staff are expected to decline the new proposed EBA.