100 Electrical Trades Union staff to protest through Brisbane’s Queen St and North Quay
Electrical Trade Union workers have walked off job sites this morning in a strike through the Brisbane CBD demanding better job conditions and higher wages.
QLD Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tradies working for Schindler Elevator have taken strike action in Brisbane, demanding better job conditions and higher wages.
About 100 tradies under the Electrical Trades Union employed with Schindler in construction, installation, repair an service sectors marched between Queen St and North Quay from 9am following months of failed negotiations between the union and Schindler.
Armed with banners, whistles and microphones the tradies did not go unnoticed by peak hour commuters during their walk to Herschall Street.
Making their way from Queen St to Herschall St, the group chanted through megaphones saying to “look after our workers”, “give fair wages to your members” and “it’s time to step up”.
While gathering outside the CBUS building the group continued to yell, “it’s time to take action”, “this is our message”, as well as “how long does it take?”
Many commuters and shop owners watched on from the streets as the group continued to chant and whistle until about 9:45am.
Union members participating in the strike have committed to remaining available to undertake emergencies, should anyone become trapped in elevators.
State union organiser Steve Bravo said it was calling for industry-standard wages and fair conditions like improved job security and equal subcontractor clauses.
Mr Bravo told The Courier Mail said notices would keep rolling in from Monday and for as long as it takes.
“We are looking at a fair wage increase the same as other industry players, we’re here, it’s going to take as long as it takes,” Mr Bravo said.
“We will not be sending lift mechanics onto these jobs like across the road at the CBUS building, we will not have lift installers on these jobs until we have a resolution.
“These skilled and essential workers are crucial to the construction and service sector but at the moment they feel let down by their employer.”
While making their way from Queen St to Herschel St, the group chanted through megaphones saying to “look after our workers”, “give fair wages to your members” and “it’s time to step up”.
While gathering outside the CBUS building the group continued to yell, “it’s time to take action”, “this is our message”, as well as “how long does it take?”
Many commuters and shop owners watched on from the streets as the group continued to chant and whistle until about 9:45am.
Union members participating in the strike have committed to remaining available to undertake emergencies, should anyone become trapped in elevators.
Mr Bravo said the lift mechanics were “sick of the waiting” and wanted action now.
“What they’re after is nothing unusual,” he said.
“Everyone else on these projects receive those benefits except for the life mechanics.”
The ETU said strike action would cause minimal disruption, but warned that the protest route could become congested.
Union members participating in the strike have committed to remaining available to undertake emergency work, should anyone become trapped in elevators.
The ETU has been in negotiations with Schindler over pay and working agreements for nearly two months.
Those striking remained lining the paths of Herschel St underneath the CBUS Building and are set to continue to strike for the remainder of the day.
‘Mind-boggling’: Gas giant plans major facility just outside small town
Residents and farmers around a small town have raised serious concerns about a gas giant’s plan to build its largest processing plant to date less than 10km from the main street.
Bombshell fallout: School in disarray as porn scandal explodes
Key staff and many students have failed to turn up and furious parents are demanding answers as a porn scandal engulfs a prestigious Queensland school.