Hobart City Council staff wanted the union to “take the wind out” of stallholder’s campaign

Released emails have given an insight into a council’s approach to a group, which wanted to negotiate a better deal for Salamanca stallholders. How staff wanted to ‘take the wind out of their sails’.

Salamanca Market. Picture: Chris Kidd

Recently released emails show Hobart City Council staff “welcoming” the idea of “taking some wind out” of the sails of a group which wanted to negotiate a better deal for Salamanca stallholders, something the stallholder group says showed they faced a David and Goliath battle.

The emails were released after alderman Simon Behrakis lodged a right to information request with the council, which last month revealed correspondence where staff dissed Mr Behrakis, and discussed of “cutting off” a verbose member of the public.

The emails, about negotiations for a new stallholder licence agreement, also contained correspondence about the Salamanca Market Stallholder Association (SMSA).

In an email sent on May 14, one staff member spoke about the union’s interest in commenting on a discussion about staff costs for the market.

“The ASU (Australian Services Union) is not impressed, in fact very upset,” they said.

“They will likely partake in some media at some point.”

In a reply two minutes later, another staff member showed excitement about the union’s interest.

“I would very much welcome the ASU coming out and having a crack at the SMSA: let’s look to take some wind out of their sails,” they responded.

An email exchange by council staff about the Salamanca Stallholders' association.

An email exchange by council staff about the Salamanca Stallholders' association.

SMSA president Emma Hope said the released emails showed the stallholders had faced a “David and Goliath battle”.

“Council staff encouraged the union to write a media release criticising the SMSA, saying they need to take the ‘wind out of their sails’ and trying to ‘have a crack’ at us publicly through the media,” Ms Hope said.

“What is clear from the RTI documents is that council utilised its full contingent of highly paid bureaucrats along with specialised teams of lawyers and media and communications experts to plan a strategic campaign against the volunteer committee of the SMSA and the small businesses they were advocating for.

“Council devised a calculated approach with talk of ‘rally time’ and bedding down their ‘plan of attack’.”

Salamanca Stallholders Association President Emma Hope. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Hope said she was also disappointed to read emails which described SMSA as ‘disingenuous’ and ‘hostile’.

“On several occasions stallholders are called ‘unsophisticated’ by council bureaucrats.”

Ms Hope said despite the emails, she wanted to “reset the relationship” with the council believing there’d been changes since the new agreement has been signed.

“So far, the SMSA has enjoyed a more open, transparent and collaborative relationship with different council staff,” Ms Hope said.

“We are optimistic this will continue into the future as we work together for the betterment of our beloved Salamanca Market.”

City of Hobart acting CEO Kat Panjari said the council engaged in “professional” and “respectful” discussions with SMSA about the new agreement.

“During these protracted negotiations, the [City of Hobart] wanted to ensure staff welfare and support was not only considered but remained our top priority,” Ms Panjari said.

“As the issues of staff penalty rates and pay were being discussed by other stakeholders in the media, the [City of Hobart] communicated to the union as the staff representatives to keep it informed.

“With the license agreements now finalised, the City of Hobart is focusing on continuing to deliver the market as an important community and visitor attraction and looks forward to continuing its long working relationship with the SMSA.”

The ASU said it had not made any public comment about the matter.

“The union represents ASU members who work hard at the City of Hobart, getting up early to provide support to stallholders and the public at the Salamanca Markets, and we will continue to provide representation for those members and fight for their rights,” deputy branch secretary Tash Wark said.

“We will not engage in a matter which involves senior executives, HR and elected councillors.”