Residents in eight Ipswich suburbs are being urged to prepare for disruptions to waste collection following an industrial action by workers.
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Rallies were held last week by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) outside the Riverview resource recovery centre and Ipswich City Council’s administration building in the Nicholas Street precinct.
The strike saw 30,000 rubbish bins not collected in Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Springfield Central, Camira, Gailes, Spring Mountain, Brookwater, and White Rock last Friday, December 13.
Call for Fair Pay and Conditions
The unions are calling for a six per cent pay rise in the first year, followed by five per cent in the second year and four per cent in the third year, along with higher superannuation contributions.
“These workers carry out critical work for the community day in, day out. It’s time the Council offers a fair pay deal, so these garbos and Council staff can support their families and retire with dignity,” TWU Queensland explained.
The dispute isn’t limited to bin collection services; it is also expected to impact other council operations, including road maintenance, parks and gardens, cleaning, and mechanical services.
In response, Ipswich City Council said that the unions’ initial demand of a 15 per cent wage increase over three years, along with higher superannuation contributions, would place considerable strain on the council’s budget. The council stated that despite months of negotiations, the unions have not been willing to adjust their position.
Measures Introduced to Ease Disruptions
Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Matt Smith said the industrial action is likely to cause significant disruption to residents whose bins are scheduled for collection on Friday.
“This protected industrial action being taken by union members within council’s resource recovery division now means residents in eight suburbs may not have their rubbish bins collected on Friday,” Mr Smith said.
“For residents whose bins are normally collected on Friday morning, we ask they put their bins on the kerb as normal. If their bins are not collected today, we ask they bring their bins back in at the end of the day.”
To help residents manage their waste, council will waive disposal fees at the Riverview and Rosewood resource recovery centres. The free service will be available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for residents in the affected suburbs, with up to 80kg of general waste allowed. Proof of address, such as a driver’s licence, will be required.
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Council will also prioritise collections for essential services. “Council is working to prioritise a limited collection service for medical facilities and residents with medical collections,” Mr Smith added.
While council negotiates with unions to resolve the dispute, residents are encouraged to stay informed through Council’s website or by contacting council’s customer service team at 07 3810 6666 for their waste collection concerns.
Published 17-December-2024