City of Launceston & ASU reach in-principle Enterprise Agreement

Published on 23 January 2026

The City of Launceston and the Australian Services Union have reached an agreement-in-principle on a ground-breaking new Enterprise Agreement that - if endorsed - will be the first in Australian history to introduce a four-day working week with five-day wages.

City of Launceston Chief Executive Officer Sam Johnson said the proposed Agreement represented a nationally significant step in modern workplace reform.

"This is a bold and progressive proposal that recognises the changing nature of work and the importance of wellbeing, productivity and sustainability in the public sector," Mr Johnson said.

"A four-day week on full pay with improved allowances and leave entitlements would deliver real benefits for our people as well as improved service delivery for the community we serve."

If the proposed Enterprise Agreement is endorsed by the Council's 600-strong workforce next month, the City of Launceston will be lead the country in game-changing industrial reform - 100 years after Australia introduced the world’s first annual leave provisions.

"It’s important to be clear that this is an agreement-in-principle only, and we'll be providing our employees with more information about the proposal and voting process with further opportunities for discussion over the coming weeks," Mr Johnson said.

ASU Tas/Vic Branch Secretary Tash Wark said the proposed Agreement reflected strong collaboration between the union, employees and the organisation.

"A strong majority of ASU members have supported the proposed agreement, and we look forward to ongoing constructive engagement with council as the vote progresses and during the life of the proposed agreement," Ms Wark said.

"This is a collaborative effort to address attraction and retention challenges, and the union is pleased this is a solid commitment from council."

Under the proposed Agreement, full-time employees would work 30.4 ordinary hours over four days for 100 per cent of current five-day salaries and receive a range of improved wage, allowance and leave entitlements.

Eligible employees within the Council's 600-strong workforce are expected to vote on the proposed Agreement next month.

If the majority of eligible employees vote in favour of the proposed agreement, it will be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for approval.

If approved the new Enterprise Agreement will commence in July, 2026.