Eastland switches two once-free staff carparks to public paid parking

Eastland traders and the retail union claim low-income workers are being unfairly hit after paid parking was introduced in two offsite carparks.

Eastland employees Stephanie Mortlock, Caitlin Khaw and Nick Tsagaris are angry about the new fee sting. Picture: STUART MILLIGAN

EASTLAND traders and the retail union claim low-income workers are being unfairly hit after paid parking was introduced in two off-site staff carparks.

The Ringwood shopping centre recently upgraded the two carparks in Pratt St and Bond St, which were previously free for staff and are believed to have more than 200 spaces between them.

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But following the upgrades, centre management introduced a new charge of $1/hour and a maximum charge of $4/day, and opened them to both guests and staff.

Staff currently pay a similar daily rate for on-site parking at the centre.

Eastland worker Caitlin Khaw, who did not want to reveal her employer, started an online petition with her workmates which has received more than 2100 signatures.

Eastland is now charging staff and patrons to park in two off-site carparks once free for staff. Employees Stephanie Mortlock, Caitlin Khaw and Nick Tsagaris have started an online petition protesting the changes.. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Ms Khaw said the new expenses were unfair on low-income earners, who would fork out close to $1000 a year if they worked full time.

“It’s ridiculous, if someone is being paid a minimum rate and working five shifts a week, it takes away $20 a week,” she said.

“We pay rent, mortgages and uni fees, we just can’t afford it.”

Staff also launched two petitions on paid parking at Eastland when the new system was introduced in 2016.

Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association secretary Michael Donovan said the union “totally opposed” the changes and was seeking a meeting with Eastland management.

“It’s a tax on going to work which is unfair and unjust,” Mr Donovan said.

Eastland general manager Greg Balmforth said the centre had not been approached by the union but was available to meet with them.
He said the centre sat within “a comprehensive network of public and private transport arrangements, which are available to staff and guests”.

Mr Balmforth said the centre’s parking fees are used for ongoing operations of carparking facilities including security provisions.

He did not say if there were any remaining free staff parking options in or around the centre.

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