There is set to be further interruptions to garbage collections in Noosa Shire as negotiations over a wage increase drag on.
Waste collection service to thousands of addresses in Noosa Shire have been disrupted by partial strikes for four consecutive weeks.
Transport Workers Union members at Cleanaway Noosa have been pushing for a pay rise of seven per cent in the first year of a new certified agreement.
The members only worked from 9am to 2pm on Wednesday March 27, Monday April 7 and Wednesday April 9 and they will take further strike action on Thursday April 17 and Tuesday April 22 as part of their campaign for better pay.
The TWU’s Queensland Director of Organising, Josh Millroy, said Cleanaway had been forced to scramble to get the essential work done.
“TWU Members are still fighting for respect and a decent wage offer from Cleanaway Noosa,” he said.
“Workers have taken further industrial action to increase pressure on both Cleanaway and Noosa Council, who are no doubt feeling the effects.”
TWU officials said members have now also raised safety concerns regarding vehicle roadworthiness, controls at fill sites and the stowing of dangerous goods, which would add to the pressures on Cleanaway.
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The TWU could potentially take more strike action, given their safety concerns and lack of an improved wage offer from the company.
“Recently uncovered safety concerns are a major priority for the union and our members,” Mr Millroy said.
“Not only is Cleanaway Noosa proposing a sub-par wage offer, we are now concerned that corners are potentially being cut on safety.
“These workers are ready to keep fighting. Unless Cleanaway come back with a decent offer, further strikes are inevitable.”
A Cleanaway spokesman said the company took safety seriously.
“Safety and the protection of the environment are foundations of Cleanaway,” they said.
“At Cleanaway, we have a culture that encourages our employees to raise any safety concerns so that they can be immediately investigated and remedied if needed.”
A Cleanaway spokesperson said, in February, that the organisation was continuing to work with its staff over the pay issue, and that rubbish would still be collected.
“Cleanaway will continue to negotiate in good faith with our employees to reach a speedy resolution,” they said.
Mr Millroy has called for Noosa Council to step in and tell Cleanaway to sit down with its workers and come to an agreement.
Noosa Council has previously declined to becoming involved, saying it is a matter for Cleanaway and its employees.
