The City of Launceston has abandoned its controversial proposal for a four-day work week after intense pressure from business groups and ratepayers, according to reporting from The Mercury, and The Examiner.
The council had been negotiating what’s known as a “100-80-100” model – where employees would receive 100 percent of their pay for working 80 percent of the hours, maintaining 100 percent productivity. Under the proposal, staff would have worked just over 30 hours per week instead of the standard 38.
But following fierce criticism from the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which called the plan “a slap in the face for ratepayers and local business,” the council has walked back the proposal.
Council CEO Sam Johnson says the decision came after extensive feedback from the community, and he cited increasing hostility and “unacceptable vitriol” directed at council staff during the public debate.
“We have listened to our ratepayers and stakeholders,” Mr Johnson said. “Employment conditions should be determined through proper industrial processes – not through social media commentary.”
The revised agreement now includes flexible 38-hour arrangements – including compressed four-day weeks and nine-day fortnights – along with a 5 percent wage increase this year.
The Australian Services Union has condemned what it calls interference from external business groups, saying the original model was designed to address recruitment challenges without increasing rates.
The revised agreement will go to a staff vote in coming weeks.