EARC Enterprise Bargaining Agreement Update

November 6, 2024

Words: Dale Keehne


I am pleased to be able to announce the outcome of the latest discussions on Tuesday 5 November to develop our Enterprise Bargaining Agreement between United Workers Union officials and other employee representatives, our Enterprise Bargaining Advisor and myself as CEO.


These discussions were scheduled to take place many weeks ago as the next key step to progress discussions. I would like to thank Fair Work Commissioner Riordan who facilitated these very constructive and positive discussions to help us all reach agreement.


There are a range of improvements to our workers’ salaries and conditions that I have already recently introduced to ensure our workers’ can begin to benefit from them.


These improvements include a 4 per cent increase to salaries and Locality, as well the Outdoor, Apply First Aid, Sleepover and Meal Allowances, increasing the starting wages for all our Level 1 employees, the provision of Apply First Aid Allowances to our Community Night Patrol and Sobering Up Shelter workers, the increase in paid parental leave from 8 to 10 weeks, and an additional $7,000 payment to Level 8 Council Services Managers for extra hours worked. Council had also committed to a 3 per cent pay increase in 2025 and another 3 per cent increase in 2026. These improved conditions will also be included in the new proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement if it is approved by workers in the next few weeks.


Additional changes that we have made to the proposed Agreement are: the addition of a fourth year to the agreement with a further 3 per cent pay increase from 1 July 2027 and a corresponding increase in the Locality, Outdoor, Apply First Aid, Sleepover and Meal Allowances; back pay for the 2024 4 per cent pay increase from 1 July to 19 September, more flexibility in approving the Bi-lingual Allowance; recognition that Individual Flexibility Arrangements could include changes in daily hours of work and days on which work is undertaken where agreed by an employee and the Council; and, outside the agreement, the increase of the proposed Air Conditioning Subsidy when staff are on leave and their Council provided housing is vacant from $25 to $50 a week.


I look forward to putting the proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, with the support of the United Workers Union and other employee representatives, to all workers to consider and vote on, so we can gain formal endorsement of the wide range of improvements to our workers’ salaries and conditions. 


I take this opportunity to thank the United Workers Union and employee representatives for their hard work and their representation during the agreement discussions and negotiations.


As an ex-trade union official for many years, it gives me great satisfaction as CEO for us to unite to support our highly valued workers.


Dale Keehne
CEO

July 22, 2025
East Arnhem Regional Council was pleased to welcome the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC in Yirrkala.
July 10, 2025
Our Municipal Team in Galiwin'ku are doing great djäma...
July 7, 2025
In July, East Arnhem Regional Council will be running Community Consultations sessions in Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Galiwin'ku, Ramingining, Gunyangara and Yirrkala.
July 3, 2025
The 2025 Local Government Elections will take place in August, inviting voters from across the Territory to participate. Twelve Councillors will be selected to represent the five wards across East Arnhem: Birr Rawarrang Ward (Ramingining), Gumurr Gattjirrk Ward (Milingimbi), Gumurr Marthakal Ward (Galiwin’ku), Gumurr Miwatj Ward (Gunyangara & Yirrkala) and Gumurr Miyarrka Ward (Gapuwiyak). For information on nomination, voting and key dates in the 2025 Local Government Election click here .
A group of 10 people.
June 30, 2025
During our recent Ordinary Council meeting we celebrated two of our longest serving Councillors who have been with Council since its inception in 2008.
June 26, 2025
East Arnhem Regional Council adopted the Budget for the 2025-2026 financial year and the Regional Plan for 2025-2026 at its Ordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2025. You can obtain copies of the 2025-2026 Regional Plan and Budget: by downloading from www.eastarnhem.nt.gov.au view in hard copy at any of Council’s Service Delivery Centres and the Regional Office by telephoning (08) 8986 8986 or emailing info@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au
A group of people outdoors
June 16, 2025
In May the East Arnhem Regional Council team at Ramingining assisted Savage Films to screen 'Journey Home, David Gulpilil' in community.
June 4, 2025
In May, East Arnhem Regional Council participated in the VET Careers Expo in Darwin. It was a valuable opportunity to engage with students and jobseekers about career and training opportunities within the local government sector. Thanks to LGANT for having us at their stall this afternoon. Photo: East Arnhem Regional Council at VET Careers Expo, Marrara Indoor Stadium, Darwin, 2025.
May 22, 2025
Public Consultation | Draft Regional Plan 2025-2026