Union still has water worries

Stephen O'Grady | 17th July 2009

Mackay Daily Mercury

The move is on. Monday morning will signal the crossover of Fraser Coast Water workers to Wide Bay Water.

It's understood that 41 employees who have worked until now with the business unit set up by the former Maryborough City Council will make the move to the corporation established by the old Hervey Bay City Council.

“The staff is looking forward to getting some certainty,” Wide Bay Water acting CEO David Wiskar said.

“The only difference is that we will provide them with scientific and engineering support to continue doing the job they were doing.”

A council spokesperson said Maryborough and Tiaro residents could continue to call the council with water enquiries and would be directed to WBW where appropriate.

“While it has taken some time to complete, the majority of staff support the merge and are looking forward to it,” Mayor Mick Kruger said.

Union representative Keith Ballin said there remained issues to be ironed out, among them whether WBW would continue to align to itself with the federal awards. Fraser Coast Water workers had come under the state system.

“My main aim is to ensure none of my members are disadvantaged by the move.”

He was also concerned no cooling-off period was granted for workers moving across to WBW.

“They can't transfer back to the Fraser Coast council.”