Newcastle City Council have adopted a new enterprise agreement which aims to improve productivity by creating a more flexible workplace.
The newly ratified agreement includes opt-in work arrangements such as unpaid leave, working from home, purchased additional annual leave, working four years out of five and working from home.
It's the first agreement in partnership with the Services Union in more than eight years and will also include 10 days of paid domestic violence leave.
Paid domestic violence is used for victims to seek safe housing; attend related medical and legal appointments or organise alternative care and schooling arrangements for their children while still being able to accumulate all other forms of leave.
Newcastle United Services Union organiser Luke Hutchinson said flexible work arrangements help employees in their work and personal lives.
"The Union is very proud to resolve this matter with Newcastle City Council to provide domestic violence leave for victims and their families to assist with this hideous social matter that we are unfortunately dealing within Australia at the moment.
"This provides some additional support for these victims and their families," Mr Hutchinson said.
The agreement also includes the annual 2.5 per cent minimum pay rise as per the 2017 Local Government Award.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city is committed to providing support to its employees.
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Left to right, Ross Warren and Kevin Burgess, City of Newcastle USU delegates,
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and United Services
Union General Secretary Graeme Kelly.
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