Local Government

Geelong "steak sandwich" workers reinstated

By ASU-Victorian Authorities & Services Branch

ASU members Mick Van Beek and Peter Anderson have both been reinstated to their positions at Drysdale Depot in a hugely successful result for both workers.

After countless meetings, rallies and fellow employees walking off the job in support of Peter and Mick, the City of Greater Geelong agreed to an independent umpire's decision at a conciliation hearing between the Council and Branch Secretary Brian Parkinson.

Brian is pleased that sanity finally prevailed.

"The punishment never was in line with their conduct, and finally these two guys can get back to work. We would really like to thank all members who took the time to send an email through to the CEO and Councillors of the City of Greater Geelong, and also to those who came to the rallies and especially to those who were willing to strike to support their mates. We are certain that your efforts played a huge part in the final result."

Van Beek and Anderson were given their marching orders by the City of Greater Geelong after the pair filled in two pot holes hazardous to elderly patrons of the Leopold Sportsman Club last November, during their lunch break, receiving a free steak sandwich at management's insistence a week later.

Both Mick and Peter will resume work on Monday, August 17.

Joint statement from the Australian Services Union and the City of Greater Geelong

The City of Greater Geelong made application to Fair Work Australia as a result of the industrial action taken by the Australian Services Union (ASU) and its members on August 11 and 12.

The City's application that the industrial action ceases has been granted by Fair Work Australia with effect from 6pm on 12 August. The unfair dismissal applications have also been conciliated between the City and the ASU. The City of Greater Geelong believes that Fair Work Australia is the appropriate lawful avenue to deal with this matter.

While the City and the ASU continue to be in disagreement over the facts that led to the dismissal of the employees, there has been agreement on conditional reinstatement of the two staff members. The conditions relating to the reinstatement are confidential between the parties.

The ASU and the City of Greater Geelong, via the ASU Branch Secretary and Council's CEO, acknowledge the importance of transparency, honesty and probity at the City of Greater Geelong and this applies equally to all Council staff.

Council will publicise to its ratepayers and businesses that they also have a responsibility in not requesting Council staff to perform any additional work or support that is not within official Council works.

Council and the ASU are pleased to conclude this matter in the interests of all staff and the community, and within the processes of Fair Work Australia - the independent industrial umpire.

For further information:

Brian Parkinson │ ASU Branch Secretary │ Mobile 0419 555 352 │ Email: bparkinson@asuvic.com
 

Earlier ASU news on this issue

Selection of recent media coverage

Sanga sacked council workers reinstated, Ninemsn, 13 Aug 2009

Sacked Geelong sanga-gate workers reinstated, Melbourne Herald Sun, 13 Aug 2009

Steak sanger council workers back on the job, The Age - Thomas Hunter - 13 Aug 2009

Sacked Geelong sanga-gate workers reinstated , Geelong Advertiser, Jessica Craven, 13 Aug 2009

Sacked sandwich workers may discover fate today, Geelong Advertiser - Christie Peucker - ‎8 hours ago‎

EDITORIAL: Early test for new CEO, Geelong Advertiser - ‎Aug 11, 2009‎

Sandwiches bring city to a halt, Geelong Advertiser - Christie Peucker - ‎Aug 11, 2009‎

Council workers in 'steak sanger' protest, The Age - Natalie Marshall - ‎Aug 10, 2009‎

Geelong council workers strike over steak sanga saga, Melbourne Herald Sun - ‎Aug 10, 2009‎
 

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