Wednesday 20 November 2024
Workers from Jane Franklin Hall, an historic University of Tasmania College, took a one-hour stoppage today in an effort to secure a fair pay rise before Christmas.
Around 15 United Workers Union (UWU) members who are responsible for catering, cleaning, maintenance, groundskeeping and transport at Jane Franklin Hall will down tools during lunch, before heading to yet another bargaining meeting.
Currently workers at the accommodation halls are on the minimums set out in the Award and are struggling to keep up with the cost-of-living pressures. They have been bargaining with their employer for almost a year with negotiations beginning in January.
UWU coordinator Amy Brumby said the workers at the Jane deserved more than the bare minimum for the work they did in keeping the halls functioning.
“Jane Franklin workers are long-serving, dedicated people who care about the job they do and upholding the reputation of this Hobart institution. They deserve a pay rise which is reflective of that,” Ms Brumby said.
“Union members from the halls have been more than patient and have made significant concessions in an attempt to reach agreement.
Jane Franklin Hall worker Peter Gangell, a maintenance worker, said he needed certainty around his pay ahead of Christmas.
“It’s been almost a year and it’s time to resolve this. Taking action is a last resort, but Jane Franklin Hall has given us no choice,” he she said.
UWU members reserve the right to take more action until a resolution has been met.
ENDS
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