Bega Valley Shire Council has been given the green light to go ahead with staff restructuring after fronting the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
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In October they were asked to provide the commission and the United Services Union with an explanation of proposed staff restructuring.
In a statement released following Thursday’s compulsory conference with commissioner Peter Newall, council said the commissioner told both parties it was “clear that the restructure and regrading of positions by council in this case has been correctly carried out”.
“Commissioner Newall further determined that he can see no basis for further disputation about the regrading and that the file on the dispute has now been closed,” council said.
Mr Newall had come to resolution “on the basis of the material” provided, and “the facts that emerged” during the proceedings.
USU spokesman Stuart Geddes said, despite his decision, Mr Newall had recognised the concerns expressed towards the changes by the union and its members.
“We will be continuing to monitor the actions of council in relation to these positions as the commission has given a clear direction of exactly what duties will be expected of our members,” Mr Geddes said.
“If there is any move to add extra duties outside the new position descriptions we will act accordingly.”
The industrial dispute was in relation to redundancies in council’s community services department, following recent funding cuts stemming from this year’s budget.
Council’s director of community, relations and leisure, Anthony Basford, said four positions had been made redundant in his portfolio, and three contracted roles would not be renewed in order to make savings to help fund the shire’s road works.
Council was asked by the commission, to provide further explanation on changes to positions directly impacted by the restructure on October 25, with the material provided two days later.
“The commissioner also advised that council was now able to undertake recruitment activity to fill the new roles,” council said in a statement.
“Council is confident that it can now move forward and finalise the required organisation structure changes.
“Council acknowledges that change is difficult and will continue to provide support to affected employees through the change process.”