Union members at the Sunshine Coast’s main recycling processing facility are set to take industrial action tomorrow, but their employer is reassuring residents their bin services will not be affected.
Workers at Re.Group’s Bli Bli Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) – the major processing site for yellow-lid bins from 400,000 Sunshine Coast residents – will begin rolling strike action after voting unanimously in favour of protected industrial action.
But Re.Group chief development officer Garth Lamb said the company was working with Sunshine Coast Council and other partners to ensure continuity of service.
“The community can be confident that recycling services will continue without interruption and any updates will be communicated promptly,” he said.
“The safety of our employees, contractors and the community remains our top priority, and all contingency measures have been designed to protect health and safety during this period.”
Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) members at the site are seeking a 7 per cent annual pay and allowance increase, along with other workplace improvements.
TWU Queensland director of organising Josh Millroy said workers had decided to strike after months of stalled negotiations.
“Strike action is always a last resort, but these workers have been pushed to the limit,” he said.
“The TWU has put forward several claims aimed at improving working conditions, many of which would cost Re.Group little or nothing to implement. These include increased parental leave, proper consultation rights for any workplace changes, a clear disputes procedure and improved payslip transparency, such as showing employee leave balances. The union is also seeking a commitment that existing terms and conditions will not be reduced.
“Re.Group is currently denying all of these claims.”
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Mr Lamb said Re.Group valued all employees and was committed to maintaining “positive, respectful relationships” with its workforce throughout the negotiation process.
“Re.Group remains committed to open and transparent discussions. We have met with the TWU nine times and presented two revised Enterprise Agreement options, most recently two weeks ago,” he said.
“We believe our offer is fair. The Waste Management Award employees are currently paid is well above minimum wage and has increased by more than CPI.
“It is important we are financially responsible, as we are contracted to operate the MRF on behalf of and at the cost of Sunshine Coast Council, which is funded by ratepayers.
“Re.Group provides an important and essential service to the people of the Sunshine Coast and that will not change.
“We are committed to achieving a fair, sustainable outcome that supports our employees, safeguards service delivery and ensures the long-term viability of our operations.”
The TWU said Re.Group’s claim that workers were paid above minimum wage was misleading and that the current rates were the legal minimum under the Waste Management Award, not above it.
It also said Re.Group wages were 14 per cent to 22 per cent lower than workers doing similar waste work at Cleanaway Noosa.
“Re.Group operates a publicly funded, council-owned facility but pays its workers minimum wages,” Mr Millroy said.
“Residents and ratepayers expect their money to support good local jobs, not just private profits. This company takes home millions every year from government contracts around Australia and New Zealand. Any claims by the company that they can’t afford a decent cost-of-living pay increase are simply untrue.”
The $40 million recycling facility was funded through all levels of government and opened in late 2023, with Re.Group tasked with the ongoing operation of the plant.
The council has previously said it was not directly involved in the dispute.
“Re.Group operates the Material Recovery Facility on behalf of Sunshine Coast Council. This matter is one between Re.Group and its employees. Council has no further information at this time,” a spokesperson said.
Re.Group is one of Australia’s largest recycling network operators, providing kerbside recycling services to more than five million people across 40 local government areas in Australia and New Zealand.
