Noosa garbage collectors go on strike over wages for the second time

Cleanaway and Union members are locked in a stalemate over requested wage increases, with industrial action threats to continue.

Noosa Garbo Strike March

Cleanaway workers on the Noosa Regional Council contract went on a 24 hour strike protesting again this week over a lack of action on requested wage increases.

TWU Queensland Director of Organising, Josh Millroy, said workers would continue action until their demands were met.

“They’re on strike for a pay rise that keeps up with the crippling cost of living increases in this region,” Mr Millroy said.

The workers are asking for a 7 per cent wage increase but Mr Millroy said Cleanaway had not moved from the initial offer.

Josh Millroy

When contacted for comment, Cleanaway said it would continue to negotiate.

About 20 union members, which Mr Millroy said was the core workforce, were present outside the Noosa Council Chambers at Tewantin on Friday demonstrating and waving flags.

Noosa garbage collectors on strike.

Shane Pierpoint Sunshine Coast TWU organiser said Cleanaway needed to come to the table.

“9000 homes will be affected by not having their rubbish picked up today,” Mr Pierpoint said.

“Council is supposed to be roads rates and rubbish, but right now they’re not managing rubbish, because they’ve outsourced it to this massive company, Cleanaway,” he said.

“You can outsource your responsibility for managing operations but you can’t outsource your responsibility to the community.”

“It’s your rates as residents of the shire going to this multinational company,” Mr Millroy told the striking workers.

“Without Garbos, Noosa Stinks” chanted the workers.

Mr Pierpoint said the garbage industry was already struggling to get new workers in because “it’s not a glamorous job that doesn’t pay well” and he thinks changing that will improve this essential service.

Noosa Council said the matter was between for Cleanaway and the Union.

Originally published as Noosa garbage collectors go on strike over wages for the second time