For the first time in the organisation's history, union members at the Australia Council have participated in protected strike action, as the CPSU campaign for a fair deal on pay and conditions heats up.
Braving grey skies, close to a hundred workers and their supporters crowded outside the Australia Council office in Sydney to send a colourful and vibrant message for management to return to negotiations.
CPSU Deputy Secretary Nadine Flood said the decision to take strike action reflected the deep frustration of employees in response management’s agenda of cuts to jobs, pay and working conditions.
"The recent 20 per cent cut in the work force has created unsustainable workloads for staff who have been working long hours, nights and weekends. We've had members reporting to us that they're working 12 and 14 hour days," she said.
"These workers are passionate about supporting artists but management’s strategy of attacking jobs, pay and working conditions has reduced morale at the Australia Council to an all-time low.
"That's what makes today's great turnout that much more special."
Management’s proposed offer includes:
2.5% per annum pay offer - one of the lowest currently on offer across the public sector
radical changes to the employee classification system to make it more difficult for staff to achieve incremental advancement
cuts to flex time entitlements
Ms Flood said that the campaign to win a decent deal for Australia Council staff would continue.
"We're hopeful that today's action will cause management to rethink their strategy and return to negotiations. The CPSU will continue to support Australia Council staff however we can to win an agreement that protects pay and working conditions," she said.
