The Mitchell Shire Council Enterprise Agreement: What You Need to Know

If you`re a resident or employee of Mitchell Shire Council in Victoria, Australia, you may have heard about the recent negotiations over the enterprise agreement. In this article, we`ll explain what the enterprise agreement is, what changes have been proposed, and how they may affect you.

What is an enterprise agreement?

An enterprise agreement is a legally binding document that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for employees of a particular business or organization. It is negotiated between the employer and employees, typically with the involvement of unions or other employee representatives, and must be approved by the Fair Work Commission.

The current enterprise agreement for the Mitchell Shire Council covers around 300 employees across a range of roles, from administration and customer service to maintenance and construction.

What changes are being proposed?

Negotiations over a new enterprise agreement for the Mitchell Shire Council have been ongoing since 2018. The previous agreement expired in June 2019, and employees have been working under the terms of that agreement while negotiations continue.

The main points of contention in the negotiations have been around pay and conditions. The proposed changes include:

– A pay increase of 2% per year over four years, compared to the previous agreement which provided for a 2.5% increase each year

– Additional leave entitlements for long-serving employees

– Changes to classifications and job descriptions to reflect changes in the organization`s structure and operations

How will these changes affect employees?

The proposed changes to the enterprise agreement will have varying effects on different employees. The pay increase, while lower than in previous agreements, will still provide a boost to employees` income over the coming years. The additional leave entitlements will benefit those who have worked for the council for a long time.

However, some employees may be concerned about changes to their classifications and job descriptions. These changes could result in changes to their roles, duties, and responsibilities, which may not be welcome.

It`s important for employees to understand the proposed changes and how they may affect them. Employees should also be aware of their rights under the Fair Work Act, including the right to negotiate their pay and conditions and the right to take protected industrial action if necessary.

What happens next?

Negotiations over the new enterprise agreement for the Mitchell Shire Council are ongoing. The council and employee representatives are continuing to work towards a mutually acceptable agreement. Once an agreement is reached, it will need to be approved by the Fair Work Commission before it comes into effect.

In the meantime, employees should stay informed about the progress of negotiations and be prepared to negotiate for their rights and interests. By staying engaged and informed, employees can help ensure that the new enterprise agreement reflects their needs and priorities.