THE honeymoon between unions and the Labor state government seems to be over mere months after Daniel Andrews became premier.
The former pre-election comrades-in-arms are at odds over the Andrews government’s plan to limit council rate rises to the level of inflation.
Several unions, including the Australian Services Union, urged voters before November’s state election to “put the Liberals last” to oust the previous Napthine Coalition government.
Now the ASU, which represents public sector workers and has Mr Andrews as a member of its union, will campaign against the Labor state government’s councils rate capping plan.
The ASU has accused his government’s rate cap proposal, due to begin in 2015-16, as “the biggest threat in local government since Jeff Kennett and the attacks of the 90s”.
A flyer for a union delegates meeting to be held on Wednesday (29 April) claims council workers’ “job security, pay and conditions are under attack”.
ASU state secretary Richard Duffy has written to councils across Victoria asking how a rates cap will hit their finances.
The letter dated 15 April reads: “These figures, which will remain anonymous, will provide us with a solid evidentiary grounding to help us fulfil our advocacy role in defending the autonomy of local government and help add context to the reasons why council rates rise above CPI [the consumer price index]”.
Kingston mayor Cr Geoff Gledhill told The News councillors would meet to discuss the ASU’s letter requesting financial information before a response is given.
A spokesperson for Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins hit back at claims council jobs and services will suffer.
“We’ve been very clear about this. Our fair go rate cap is not about cutting important jobs and services. It’s about encouraging councils to rein in silly spending and exorbitant executive pay.
“I’m sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to councils spending ratepayers’ money more responsibly.”
Liberal shadow spokesman for local government David Davis accused Mr Andrews of “rank populism” in pledging to cap council rates before the state election.
“Daniel Andrews’ rate capping policy is under attack from his own union … the ASU knows the brutal truth is Daniel Andrews’ rate capping policy will see Victorians currently employed in local government lose their jobs.”
