Services Union holding vote on protected action against Mackay Regional Council

Unionised council employees are holding a vote to decide on protected action against Mackay council after negotiations broke down. See what that could mean.

The Services Union organised a stop-work meeting outside city hall to protest against Toowoomba Regional Council, Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Now, Mackay members are voting on whether to take their own protected action. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Council employees could refuse to issue fines, work overtime hours or even go on strike if members of the union vote to hold protected action.

The Australian Services Union (ASU) has asked its Mackay Regional Council employees if they are prepared to take industrial action against what it has called an ‘undercooked’ pay offer that doesn’t match inflation.

Glenn Desmond, regional organiser, ASU, said the current offer falls short of the 15 per cent inflation over the past two years.

“We are looking for something that makes up the cost of living, and to make up for the last two years where inflation went to 6 per cent, 7 per cent.
“Our members are deciding whether they need to put some pressure back to get council to acknowledge wages have gone backwards over the past three years.”

When asked what that action could look like, he cautioned it would be up to members.

Mr Desmond said the union membership includes a “sizeable chunk” council’s white collar workers — supervisors, admin staff, engineers, accountants, and technical staff.

They may be prepared to put a paperwork ban on, refuse to fine members of the community or work overtime.

The Services Union senior organiser John Denny at a stop-work meeting outside city hall to protest against Toowoomba Regional Council, Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The final potential step would be a protected strike action, where members refuse to work.

According to the Services Union, council has offered indoor staff three years worth of pay rises, which reach a maximum 14 per cent from the current wages.

That includes a 5 per cent increase to wages in the first year, 4.5 per cent or CPI (capped at five per cent) the second year, and a $1300 transitional payment to move to fortnightly pay at the end of the second year.

The increase in the third year is 3.5 per cent or CPI, capped at four per cent.

Mackay council CEO Scott Owen said the council had put forward an exceptional offer, including a range of incentives and agreements across several areas.

He said the offer underscored council’s commitment to its workforce.

“Given the positive nature of negotiations to date, it would be disappointing if the Services Union members felt it necessary to take industrial action, although council fully respects their right to do so.

“To expedite the process and address the urgent needs of our staff, council is lodging a notice for conciliation.”

Mr Desmond is optimistic the gap between both parties isn’t insurmountable.

“We’ve responded to council that years two and particularly three need to improve, and, that we’re willing to consider the claim for CPI adjusters in years two and three if the pay percentage were to sufficiently improve,” he said.

“We like to think we can still negotiate an outcome rather than take industrial action but the ball is in council’s court.”

The Australian Services Union claims a total membership of 130,000.

Originally published as Services Union holding vote on protected action against Mackay Regional Council