Staff swimming upstream at Victoria Park Pools

Recent changes to rosters and wages have left staff at Camperdown’s Victoria Park Pools considering strike action.

“The main problem is that they have no idea of how to take care of customers or staff,” said TriSwim coach swimming coach Wally Salinger.

“There have been repeated changes to the management and staff with little to no notice.”

“That sort of thing tells you something.”

Staff complained to City News that rosters had been changed and staff laid-off, with changes to group arrangements resulting in customers deciding to train elsewhere.

“There has been a review and they realise they have to cut costs somewhere,” said Salinger.

“I’m not begrudging them that. I just think it would be better if they sat down with the staff and tell them what’s going on rather than they find out when they come in for their next shift.”

Sydney City Council was criticised in a previous issue of City News for their heavy-handed treatment of garbage collection employees.

A City of Sydney spokesperson said the city continually reviewed their pool operations to ensure community needs were met.

“The City will continue to invest heavily in the provision of aquatic leisure services for the community,” they said.

“These facilities for the most part aren’t profitable I know,” said Salinger.

“But they provide a service to the community. You think of the health benefits alone and what that means in terms of savings in health care. Not to mention we are a nation of swimmers.”

City News is continuing its investigation.