Union's Push for Work-from-Home Rights
A recent survey reveals that half of New South Wales council workers are facing difficulties commuting due to the rising fuel costs. Many workers report spending an additional $50 to $100 weekly just to get to work. Four out of ten workers are spending at least an extra $50 per week on fuel, while two out of ten are spending over $100. These increased expenses are straining their finances significantly.
Seven in ten council workers believe their current allowances are inadequate to cover these heightened fuel costs. one in ten is considering leaving the sector altogether. The United Services Union (USU) has filed for a new award with the Industrial Relations Commission. Their aim is to lock in work-from-home rights and increase fuel subsidies by 50%, raising them from the current 83 cents per kilometre.
The proposed changes are set to impact 55,000 council workers across NSW. According to Daniel Papps, head of legal at USU, the union has applied to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission for a new award to lock in increased fuel allowances, flexible work arrangements, work location changes, and job protections. “Last week we wrote to all 128 councils in NSW asking them to look at work from home provisions for staff who are able to, and for consideration of four-day weeks for those who cannot,” he stated.
Since then, no change has been observed in the situation in the Middle East, prompting the union to intensify efforts on behalf of its members. They are advocating for flexible work arrangements, including a four-day workweek. This could mean working extra hours each day to save on commuting time and costs. The initiative is particularly crucial for regional members who sometimes travel up to 100 kilometres daily and for city workers who endure hour-long commutes.
“We want staff who can work from home to be allowed to keep petrol and diesel in the bowsers for other council workers like tradies, truck drivers, and groundskeepers who need it,” Papps added. The union is also asking the Industrial Relations Commission to consider higher kilometre reimbursements, as doubling fuel costs is unaffordable for many members. Most members are already struggling financially, and a significant rise in their fuel bill is not something they can easily afford.
The initial hearing for the union’s application is slated for 9 April at 10 am in Parramatta at the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, with Commissioner Anthony Howell presiding.
