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RALLY FOR JOB SECURITY: UNION CALLS FOR END TO FORCED REDUNDANCIES AND WORKPLACE SURVEILLANCE

USU

The United Services Union (USU) is calling on all Liverpool City Council workers, community members, and supporters to attend a rally demanding job security and an end to intrusive workplace surveillance measures.

Council workers want to see the final report of the ongoing public inquiry into the council before more structural changes are made.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 12:00 PM (noon)
WHERE: Civic Place, Liverpool

Liverpool City Council workers are facing renewed threats to their job security, with 150 positions identified as "at risk" during discussions in April 2025. These concerns have been raised during the ongoing public inquiry into council operations.

Constant flux in management has caused change fatigue at council, over the past 5 years there have been 33 restructures and re-alignments, since 2010 there have been 11 CEOs.

Despite the USU's reasonable request to pause all restructuring activities until the public inquiry is completed and its recommendations implemented, Liverpool City Council has dismissed these concerns and will press on with controversial redundancies and restructuring.

In a response dated September 15, 2025, Liverpool City Council rejected the Union's request to halt:

  • Restructures and redundancies

  • Reporting line changes and realignments

  • Policy changes and procedure amendments

The council's refusal to engage in meaningful consultation while a public inquiry examines its operations demonstrates a disregard for workers' rights and job security.

Workers are also demanding an end to the implementation of biometric and telematic surveillance systems that invade privacy and create an atmosphere of mistrust in the workplace.

"Our members deserve job security, not constant threats of redundancy and intrusive monitoring," said Acting USU General Secretary Stephen Hughes. 

"Council's decision to push ahead with restructures while a public inquiry is examining their governance shows they're more interested in protecting their own positions than protecting workers' livelihoods."

The USU is calling on Liverpool residents to stand with council workers who deliver essential services to the community every day. These workers maintain parks, process development applications, provide library services, and ensure the smooth operation of local government services.

"When workers have job security, the whole community benefits from better, more consistent service delivery," Mr Hughes added.

Media Contact: Tim Brunero 0405 285 547