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Incentive agreement for construction project

Toowoomba City Council workers certainly have an incentive to complete Stage two of a major inner city redevelopment project ahead of schedule. All construction staff involved in the project and Council have agreed to an Incentive Bonus Scheme if the project is completed ahead of schedule.

Ian Farr, Council's Chief Executive Officer, said that the agreement was the first of its type for the Council and was achieved after close consultation between unions, staff involved in the project and senior management.

All parties support the agreement which was achieved under the Enterprising Bargaining process and registered with the Industrial Relations Commission. The amount of the bonus is dependent upon the number of days ahead of schedule the project is completed and the number of days a particular worker works on the project.

"This agreement encourages work teams to implement innovative work practices and work smarter rather than longer because it discourages poor work practices and non productive time," Ian Farr said.

Staff have the option of working longer than normal hours, provided issues such as workplace health and safety are not compromised, but their net benefits will be improved by working within normal working hours.

The agreement allows for greater workplace flexibility and costs will be reduced if the project is completed ahead of schedule. A shorter construction time will benefit traders, shoppers and motorists because it reduces traffic disruption and returns the street to full use as soon as possible.

"If this agreement proves successful it will provide the basis for the development of other workplace agreements in the future," Ian Farr said. "So far we are well ahead of schedule with the work and it looks like being a win/win outcome for patrons of the Toowoomba City Centre and Council staff."

For further information contact Jo Thomas, telephone (076) 31 6630.

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