Kiama Council is pleased to announce the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) has this week accepted that Council has obtained acceptable alternative employment for the staff of Blue Haven Bonaira. This supports the transfer of staff from Blue Haven Bonaira to buyers Hall & Prior.
CEO Jane Stroud thanked the five unions involved for their willingness to work through the issues and get a prompt resolution.
"We've worked hard to resolve the issues with the United Services Union (USU), the Health Services Union (HSU) and Nurses and Midwives Association (NHSWNMA), which allowed us to lodge an application with union consent ('by-consent') with the Commission earlier this month."
"We have also received consent from the Development and Environment Professionals' Association (DEPA) and the Local Government Engineers Association of NSW (LGEA).
"I sincerely thank all five unions for their contribution to this successful outcome," Ms Stroud said.
"This decision gives further confidence to staff that they can accept and sign their Letters of Offer from Hall & Prior in anticipation of the transition of ownership," she said.
Council Chief Operating Officer Joe Gaudiosi also thanked Local Government NSW for their assistance in working through this matter.
"It was a key part of Council's resolution back in 2022 that any sale of Blue Haven would ensure our staff have continuity of employment and retain their leave entitlements."
"This includes any alternate employment needing to be no less favourable than their current conditions. We have remained true to this commitment."
"This is a big step forward and we once again thank the unions, our staff, LG NSW, Hall & Prior and the IRC Commissioner for their help in achieving this milestone," Mr Gaudiosi said.
