Community and Public Sector Union members at the Australia Council are continuing their campaign to protect existing working conditions and win a modest pay increase.
The strike action - the second this month - is in response to management's latest offer which CPSU members have characterised as confusing, divisive and with strings attached.
Time: Tuesday 30 June, from 12.30pm outside the Australia Council Location: 372 Elizabeth Street (corner Cooper Street) Surry Hills, Sydney. Comment: Nadine Flood - CPSU Deputy Secretary - Ph 0407 731 330
CPSU Deputy Secretary Nadine Flood said employees at the Australia Council are wrestling huge workloads in an effort to maintain quality support to creative industries, despite suffering a 20% staff cut over the last twelve months.
"The heavy load is taking its toll. Staff are crying out for a collective agreement that delivers a modest pay rise and maintains working conditions. Management's proposed offer includes a low pay offer and radical changes to the employee classification system to make it more difficult for staff to achieve incremental advancement.
"The Australia Council is effectively offering staff 2.5% a year- they will say it's more but not mention they are cutting existing pay increments and conditions of work. It's not a lot for staff who are working incredible hours under very difficult circumstances.
"Management's mean and tricky approach to negotiations is reminiscent of the confrontational style of workplace relations favoured by the previous Government," Ms Flood said.
"The result has been division, frustration and an organisation in danger of sliding into crisis. There are serious questions that need to be answered by the CEO about the havoc this strategy is creating.
"By holding their strike action on the last day of WorkChoices, Australia Council staff are sending a powerful message to their CEO. It's time to stop playing games, time to move forward and time to work cooperatively with staff and their union to achieve a fair deal on pay and conditions," Ms Flood said.
Thanks to all the staff who came out again to show management what we think of their terrible offer.