FIVE workers sacked by Wyndham Council for “serious misconduct” have applied to have their unfair dismissal claims heard by the Fair Work Commission.
The workers, members of the council’s parks and gardens team, were sacked on February 28 after an investigation into their behaviour during work hours.
The Australian Services Union has accused the council of hiring a private investigator to pose as a casual labourer for three months to spy on staff and photograph them engaging in misconduct.
The five workers, one of whom had worked for the council for 25 years, were accused of offences including drinking and taking drugs on the job, shopping during work hours and failing to supervise other workers.
In support of their colleagues, workers at the council’s Old Geelong Road depot last Thursday began work bans, including not picking up rubbish and not collecting tip fees.
The industrial action escalated on Friday, with union members walking off the job after management threatened to dock their pay for four hours.
The council applied to the commission to have the industrial action stopped, but withdrew the application after agreeing the five workers should have their unfair dismissal claims heard as soon as possible. Union members then agreed to end industrial action.
Wyndham chief executive Kerry Thompson has denied the council did anything wrong.
“It is unfortunate this matter has escalated, however ensuring productivity and appropriate behaviours from council staff must be a priority.”
ASU branch secretary Brian Parkinson said members were angered by the manner in which the council had sacked the workers, who had denied 90 per cent of the allegations against them.
“The council’s use of what is, in reality, a private investigator is totally unacceptable and a massive breach of workplace privacy,” he said.
“The way the council has gone about this has members concerned. They feel like they have to watch their backs.”
