11 June 2012

Council workers get subsidised perks

RATEPAYERS have forked out thousands of dollars to subsidise perks for council employees such as ski trips, winery tours, free DVD rentals and "Feeling fine Friday".

City of Melbourne workers are also offered yoga, Pilates and dance classes and discounted tickets to Melbourne's key attractions, internal documents reveal.

Documents obtained by the Herald Sun under Freedom of Information laws reveal the MCC spends $9500 a year so parking officers can use the council-owned facilities at City Baths.

Employees who join CoMLife, an association funded by the council and its workers, also get discounted entry to tourist hot spots such as Melbourne and Werribee zoos, Icehouse, the Melbourne Show and the Eureka Tower.
The council spends thousands subsidising events such as Grand Final parties, ski trips, golf tournaments and trivia nights. Other incentives include:
A $2000 function at Icehouse with prizes for staff.
WELLBEING classes of boxing, Pilates, yoga, circuit, and dance.
SUBSIDISED movie, theatre and entertainment tickets.
FREE DVD rentals for CoMLife members.
Ratepayers Victoria president Jack Davis said ratepayers would be appalled that so much was spent on staff incentives.

"It's about time that councils realised they are dealing with ratepayers' money," he said.
Mr Davis said ratepayers deserved more investment in service for the public.
Last year the Herald Sun revealed eight Victorian councils had spent at least $180,000 on staff massages.
An MCC spokeswoman said the free massage service was no longer available.
"By investing in the health and wellbeing of our employees, we can foster a healthy work environment and culture," she said.

ninemsn.com.au 10 Jun 2012

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