Industrial action nears after professional beach lifeguards voted against the latest pay offer from Surf Life Saving Queensland.
It was the second time that they voted against an offer from SLSQ during the past two months.
Australian Workers’ Union Queensland Branch secretary Stacey Schinnerl said lifeguards deserved more.
“Surf Life Saving Queensland is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” she said.
“It is the definition of insanity to be testing the resolve of our beach lifeguards so close to Christmas.
“We hope the organisation have learned their lesson, do the right thing and give our lifeguards the pay rise they deserve.”
But SLSQ CEO Dave Whimpey said earlier this month that annual pay increases for the organisation’s lifeguards had averaged 4.155 per cent over the past 10 years.
He said lifeguard pay rates were based on length of experience and that SLSQ was committed to its 457 lifeguards.
“Our lifeguards are the most important people in the organisation, after our volunteers,” he said.
SLSQ offered workers the Fair Work mandated pay rise and a one time taxed ‘cost of living’ payment of up to $1100.
But Ms Schinnerl said it was an unsustainable rate of pay.
“Professional lifeguards have decided to draw a line in the sand and not back down until we get a pay rise,” she said.
A media release from the AWU stated that industrial action would be the next step in beach lifeguards’ campaign for fair wages.
Ms Schinnerl said that SLSQ could end the dispute.
“Surf Life Saving Queensland can avoid potential disruptions at our beaches by doing the right thing and paying our lifeguards what they deserve,” she said.
“No one is more committed to beach safety than lifeguards, so no matter what action our members take, the community can rest assured it will be conducted in a safe manner.
“Our lifeguards work hard in hot and dangerous conditions to save lives on our beaches. They love their job and they love their local communities, but something has got to give.
“It’s going to be a tough summer for Surf Life Saving Queensland if we don’t see a resolution on this wage dispute.”
The AWU stated that more than 500 beachgoers had signed a petition calling on SLSQ to increase wages.
“Coastal residents understand the vital role that professional lifeguards play to keep beaches safe,” Ms Schinnerl said.
“That safety is at risk with lifeguards considering leaving the profession due to the unsustainable wages.”
SLSQ lifeguards’ starting level casual hourly rate is $34.28, while Gold Coast City Council lifeguards are paid $42.90.
But Mr Whimpey said that SLSQ lifeguard wages could not be directly compared to those of Gold Coast lifeguards, who receive penalty rates.
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