Council waste management workers and contractors will get better job security under changes introduced by the NSW government.

Previously, waste management workers risked losing their existing entitlements, pay rates, and even their jobs, when council contracts went to tender.

That’s because tenderers weren’t required to offer work to employees of the current contractor, or preserve the existing conditions and conditions of their employment.

It’s also been the case if waste management services are provided by council staff.

“There are numerous examples in recent history of waste management contracts changing between service providers, and workers are offered an identical role with the new contractor but with lower pay and loss of entitlements,” Local government minister Ron Hoenig says.

“These changes will prevent waste contractors from undercutting during tenders and winning contracts on the basis of paying workers less if their employer changes.”

The government has gazetted changes to the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 to ensure greater protection for the employment of waste workers, the minister says.

The changes effectively mean tenderers for waste management services have to offer employment to existing staff on at least the same terms as their current employer and with no loss to their entitlements, and award annual pay increases in line with relevant awards.

The Office of Local Government will provide support to councils who have upcoming waste management tenders to ensure the new regulations are complied with, Mr Hoenig says.