Cleanaway garbos stop work for 24 hours to fight for better pay and working conditions

Bin collection across Palmerston will be disrupted today as garbage workers strike. SEE WHY

DARWIN garbage workers have dumped their uniforms today in protest of better pay and safer working conditions.

About 25 Cleanaway truck drivers gathered at the Holtze depot on Friday morning under protected industrial action that will see them stop work for 24 hours.

All workers voted yes to the action last month, following months of bargaining for better rostering practices and a better rate of pay.

It is estimated 4000 residences will be affected by rubbish collection disruptions.

Transport Worker’s Union official Barry Norton said the strike was necessary as some workers were doing 12 hour days to make enough money and to cover the issue of understaffing.

Barry Norton TWU NT official leadsa previous protest. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

The action had already garnered a lot of support from not just workers but also the public.

“There were a lot of trucks driving past and honking, a few arms waving out of the window,” he said.

“A lot of people have approached waste drivers and said good for you.”

He said the employees’ requests to the company were pretty simple.

“The company is playing hardball regarding pay increase and working conditions —

all these people want is a pay increase that is measured against inflation,” he said.

Mr Norton also said given the increase in profit the industry made during the pandemic, these requests weren’t asking for much.

“We’ve seen all of the major transport logistics industries come through with decent pay increase because they earnt a lot of money, but that’s not being passed on.”

He said if the company refused to come to the table, more action would be taken.

“If they don’t and in all honesty from what we’ve seen from across the country we’re not holding out hope rolling strikes will continue and that is the attitude of all Cleanaway workers from across Australia,” Mr Norton said.

He said the decision to strike was “not taken lightly by the workers”.

“They feel that the company have not even considered their demands and there is an apology to anyone affected by this — (the workers) hope they understand the company isn’t providing what they need.”

Cleanaway have been contacted for comment.