The Government and Public Entities Section of the General Workers’ Union (GWU)
has expressed serious concern about the ongoing redeployment of a group of its
members from the Energy and Water Agency (EWA) to the Climate Action Authority
(CAA).
According to the GWU, the process lacks transparency and has caused increased
uncertainty and stress among the affected workers. The union states that employees
have not received clear information, leaving them uncertain about their future roles
and conditions.
In response, the GWU has formally notified the EWA and requested that the
Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) immediately investigate
the redeployment. The union has also declared an industrial dispute over the issue.
Despite attending meetings and requesting detailed information, the GWU reports
that its efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The union’s investigation indicates that
the redeployment will negatively affect workers’ income, take-home pay, and working
conditions – benefits previously secured under a collective agreement between the
GWU and EWA.
The GWU maintains that any transfer should not lead to a deterioration of its
members’ employment terms. This concern was reinforced when workers received
new contracts from the CAA, which reportedly offer less favourable conditions.
Amid pressure on employees to sign these new contracts– despite lingering doubts
and unanswered questions– the GWU has advised its members not to sign any
transfer agreements until they are assured that their income and quality of life will not
be compromised.
The union also expressed disappointment at the lack of communication and the
inaccuracies being circulated. While workers are being urged by their superiors to
sign the contracts, the EWA maintains that although the process has begun, it is still
uncertain when it will be completed. This statement contradicts the fact that workers
have already received new contracts from the CAA.
In light of these developments, the GWU is calling on all relevant authorities to treat
the matter with the urgency it deserves. The union reassures its members that it will
continue to support them and urges them to follow only the guidance and instructions
provided by the GWU. It also reserves the right to take further action to safeguard
the interests of its members.
