Rubbish collection staff in Noosa have secured pay increases and improved working conditions after months of bargaining and industrial action.
Transport Workers’ Union members at Cleanaway Noosa have voted in favour of the new enterprise agreement, which follows seven days of strike action earlier this year.
More than 93 per cent of members voted to accept the new agreement, which includes a pay rise of at least 9.68 per cent over three years, with some workers to be earning $5.28 more an hour by October next year.
It also includes a $2500 end-of-contract bonus to increase economic security for workers and their families.
TWU Queensland director of organising Josh Millroy said the breakthrough was a win for workers.
“TWU members at Cleanaway Noosa didn’t back down and now they’ve achieved several key wins for pay, job security and conditions,” he said.
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“It’s a shame that it took multiple days of strike action and thousands of missed services but that shows that, as the TWU, when we fight, we win.
“This is the first time a Cleanaway site has locked in an end-of-contract bonus, and it won’t be the last. This sets a new standard in the waste industry traditionally plagued by insecure contracts.
“These are the people out in the heat, in the rain, on public holidays, doing essential work. The residents of Noosa know how critical this work is and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to see these garbos get a decent pay rise.”
Other new inclusions in the agreement include legal indemnity for drivers and operators, ensuring they are protected if something goes wrong on the job, and additional paid work breaks, recognising the physical demands of waste work.
A Cleanaway spokesperson welcomed the breakthrough on negotiations.
“Cleanaway negotiated in good faith with our employees and are pleased with the terms and conditions,” they said.
A TWU media release said the outcome reversed years of real wage cuts and ensured greater security for workers, including protections if Cleanaway loses the Noosa Council contract in the future.
“The TWU will continue its fight for fair pay and protections across other Cleanaway sites and throughout the waste industry,” Mr Millroy said.
