Union members at Noosa Council are set to strike again in an ongoing dispute over wages and conditions, with the council saying a drop in its service levels is unavoidable.
The half-day strike tomorrow will be the fourth by members of The Services Union working at the council, following three previous rounds of industrial action since mid-March.
Lead organiser Tom Rivers said a meeting with council CEO Larry Sengstock last week failed to produce a resolution.
“Despite the CEO’s claim that the meeting was to ‘expedite an agreed position’, council is still offering an inadequate wage increase,” Mr Rivers said.
Mr Sengstock said he was frustrated members were refusing to halt protected industrial action ahead of another conciliatory meeting next week.
“It’s disappointing that the union members continue to take protected action during these negotiations, which is impacting services such as filling potholes, grading roads and monitoring illegal camping activity,” he said.
Under protected industrial action staff are permitted by legislation to work in a limited capacity or refuse to undertake certain duties or tasks at work.
Mr Rivers said the council’s position was not sustainable and risked destabilising its workforce.
“The CEO presented council’s financial constraints, but the facts speak for themselves: Noosa Council has $120.9 million in cash reserves, a 20 per cent vacancy rate and a 16.2 per cent staff turnover rate,” he said.
“Council’s refusal to use its substantial cash reserves to address wage increases is unjustifiable, especially given the threat of further staff losses.
“Our union is also frustrated with council’s intention to push the matter to arbitration but, despite this, our members will not be backing down.
“Our members work tirelessly every day, providing vital services to their community and they deserve a living wage which reflects the cost of living in Noosa and is on par with other councils.”
Mr Sengstock said council last week offered an extra half a per cent, meaning a 14 per cent pay increase for staff over three years.
“Coupled with the 12 per cent pay increase over the past two years, the latest offer equates to a 26 per cent pay rise over five years. For a council of our size, it’s a very competitive, generous offering,” he said.
“We’re ready and willing to continue negotiations with the unions and have asked them if they were willing to halt the industrial action in good faith ahead of next week’s meeting with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commissioner, but they refused.
“Our goal is to ensure job security and maintain existing services. We also want to reward staff while spending ratepayer money responsibly to keep general rates increases to an affordable level.
“We have provided what we consider a fair and responsible package to our employees. The decision to increase our offer shows our commitment to negotiate in good faith and we’re keen to find a reasonable compromise in this tough economic climate.”
Mr Sengstock thanked the community for its continued patience during the certified agreement negotiations.
“The community has been very understanding, which we greatly appreciate,” he said.
“The delays to many functions are understandably causing frustration for our community.
“Many non-union staff continue to deliver for our residents and ratepayers, but we simply can’t maintain the full scope of our services to the high levels our community usually expects.”
Mr Sengstock said the staff who are working were prioritising urgent tasks, which meant inevitable delays to lower-priority maintenance and repairs.
“It’s unavoidable that it is taking longer to get to pothole repair and for park maintenance to be completed, other than mowing, which is outsourced to a private contractor,” he said.
“With fewer local laws officers out in the field we also can’t maintain our hard line on illegal camping during this period.
“The unions are continuing to exercise this right and unfortunately it means we have to deliver our wide suite of services with a reduced workforce while the talks continue.”
The strike will take place from 12.30pm at Hastings Street, with members rallying at Lions Park.
