Brisbane librarians to walk off the job, as bus drivers also set to strike

Brisbane librarians and other public workers are planning to walk off the job this week amid a pay dispute with council, as the city’s bus drivers look set to proceed with another strike of their own.

The Services Union has confirmed its members will strike from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday.

It said libraries, call centres and other public services could be closed during that period due to understaffing – a claim Brisbane City Council disputes.

Brisbane City Council staff will strike on Thursday.Credit: Fairfax Media

News of The Services Union’s industrial action came as bus drivers said they would strike on Friday from 4pm to 6pm after an early-morning strike last week.

Their second strike was originally planned for Wednesday afternoon, but was postponed for two days when the Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s negotiations with the council became “more progressive”.

In their deal with librarians and call centre staff, the council has offered workers a 7.25 per cent pay rise across the next two years.

The Services Union says it is pushing for 8.7 per cent and backpay to October 2024, the date the existing agreement expired. It has also raised concerns about job security and redundancy entitlements.

“We have workers all through the council,” union secretary Neil Henderson told Brisbane Times.

“I think our members are just getting a bit weary of how long it’s taking. They haven’t had a pay rise since 2023, so they want a pay rise, and they want a decent one.

“It is a complex agreement, but it’s the council that’s really found itself wanting. It needs to focus and get this agreement done.”

Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham said the existing offer was “fair, reasonable, and more than double the current rate of inflation in Brisbane”.

“This offer strikes a balance by ensuring we are spending within our means ... while delivering the services needed to keep Brisbane moving,” she said.

“Regardless of union threats, we will continue to negotiate a fair and reasonable pay rise in good faith for our hardworking council staff.”

Cunningham also used question time in Tuesday’s council meeting to criticise the Rail, Tram and Bus Union for striking last week. She said council’s response had limited the impact on commuters.

“We rostered drivers to pick up the missed trips, and warned residents,” she said.

“Thank you to all the bus drivers who did show up to work despite union pressure … they chose to keep Brisbane moving.”

Friday’s bus strike will coincide with one of Chris Stapleton’s two concerts at Boondall. Credit: Getty Images

Cunningham said Friday’s bus strike would have far more impact as it would coincide with a sold-out Chris Stapleton concert at Boondall. She urged concert-goers and commuters to make alternative plans.

“Union bosses are standing in the way of a very generous pay offer for our hardworking workers while holding Brisbane commuters to ransom,” she said.

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