Workplace change in BCC - What should it be like?

18 August 2008

Consulting in CARS

Do you know who the ASU Delegate is in your area? In order to be effective in your workplace, we need your support and expertise. If you would like any assistance or if you would like to assist others in your work areas and for further information please contact the ASU Delegate in your area or ASU Organiser Lisa Jurd: By Phone: (07) 3252 8666 By Email: info@qld.asu.net.au Visit our website: www.qld.asu.net.au Click on the ‘Help at Work’ link (www.qld.asu.net.au/helpatwork.html)

Recently the Compliance and Regulatory Services (CARS) Branch in Brisbane City Council announced significant changes in their operation.

Due to the new North South Bypass Tunnel becoming a toll way, which enables vehicles to drive non-stop through a toll plaza, BCC has to introduce a new toll enforcement system.

BCC Management decided that outsourcing infringement notices to a private contractor as being a more cost efficient option and, this plan would displace around 14 people from their permanent roles over the coming months.

Staff were devastated by the news that they would lose their jobs and they were very concerned for their future. Our members insisted that their concerns were real and they required management to justify the changes that had been announced.

The ASU do not believe that CARS Management complied with their obligations in relation to properly consulting with staff about the proposed changes when announcing the planned changes. The ASU members in CARS decided that they should meet with management to find out more.

On their behalf, the ASU wrote to CARS Manager, Greg Sullivan, to inform him that proper consultation involved much more than just informing the staff and the Union that changes were being made, and a full staff meeting was arranged.

Prior to the meeting the ASU members in CARS discussed their concerns with each other and created a series of questions they believed needed to be answered. These were collated and passed on to Mr. Sullivan, who provided some written explanations to staff.

The ASU attended the meeting with staff and management this week, which proved to be a positive mechanism in which staff and management had the opportunity to voice their concerns and explore the issues.

As with all change processes, some issues remain outstanding but all those who attended the meeting can be confident that solutions can be found through ongoing, proper consultation and communication.

We are committed to helping you and know that management takes us more seriously when our members work together to ensure that true consultation occurs in their work areas.