Footscray rubbish: Bans lifted, clean-up clears the streets

A massive clean-up of Footscray’s rubbish-strewn streets took place last week following the lifting of bans on street cleaning and bin collections.

Maribyrnong council workers suspended their work bans on Tuesday after a majority agreed to consider a new management offer that includes a 3.4 per cent annual pay rise worth about $42 a week.

The three-year enterprise bargaining agreement also delivers improved long-term service recognition and greater input on the contracting out of work.

Australian Services Union (ASU) organiser Melissa Wainwright said work bans had been suspended ahead of a vote by staff later this month.

The union had been pushing for a pay increase of about 4 per cent.

Council chief executive Vince Haining said he was pleased the bans had been lifted.

“It’s important that we get the city back on track and reinstate normal services for our residents,” he said.

“I am pleased to see the resumption of normal council services.”

Mr Haining said the 3.4 per cent pay rise for staff equated to a minimum of $40 per week, along with other benefits.

“I appreciate that for many staff this has been a difficult time, so the resumption of normal work is very welcome,” he said. “We thank the unions for their co-operation in not extending the work bans any further.”

Voting on the new enterprise bargaining agreement closes on November 22.