Kiama Council continues to work through the divestment and staff transition process for Blue Haven Bonaira. The care and wellbeing of our residents and staff has always been, and will always remain the first priority for Kiama Council.
Council's requirements for the divestment of Blue Haven Bonaira to Hall & Prior has always included transferring all staff to the new owner, ensuring continuity of employment and leave entitlements. The transition process also requires acceptable alternate employment on terms no less favourable be part of the staff offer.
The contract of sale has always required an Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) application to verify that the offer to staff satisfies the terms as stated.
At the IRC hearing, which is scheduled for 21 January, management will advocate strongly for the terms as stated above. Our commitment to staff has never wavered and mirrors the formal resolution of Council as part of the divestment decision making processes.
Hall & Prior issued letters of offer to all staff before Christmas, and today has circulated an update to staff confirming that, under the relevant Enterprise Agreement (EA), they will be eligible for remuneration increases as per the EA, as well as confirming continuity of service and the preservation of accrued annual, personal and long service leave.
Council has met with the unions and is working with Hall & Prior and Local Government NSW's Industrial Relations team on finalising the staff transition process.
A Hall & Prior representative has been on site all week to meet with staff, and Council has also held regular meetings and provided HR support throughout this process.
Kiama Council remains focused and committed to protecting workplace rights and ensuring the smooth transfer of all of our valued staff across to Hall & Prior, and continuity of care for our Blue Haven Bonaira residents.
Settlement is on track for February 2025.
