Recycling workers are set to go on a 24-hour strike on Friday, but their employer says services will be unaffected by the industrial action.
Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) members at Re.Group’s Bli Bli facility, which is the major processing site for yellow-lid bins from 400,000 Sunshine Coast residents, will walk off the job in their bid for a 6 per cent annual pay increase.
But Re.Group said the company would enact contingency plans to ensure continuity of service at the $40 million Materials Recovery Facility.
The TWU said it wanted the pay rise for members to reflect cost-of-living pressures and recent industry wage outcomes.
“Our members don’t take strike action lightly but recent negotiations with Re.Group have left these workers feeling disrespected,” TWU Queensland director of organising Josh Millroy said.
Re.Group chief development officer Garth Lamb said yellow-lid bins would be sorted and recycled as normal.
“The Sunshine Coast community can be confident that recycling services will continue without interruption during industrial action on Friday,” he said.
“We will use proven contingency plans to ensure no disruption for residents.
“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.”
Related story: Workers to strike but bin services set to continue
The TWU said Re.Group’s wages were 14 per cent to 22 per cent lower than those earned by workers at Noosa for similar work.
It said Re.Group had proposed wage increases as low as 0.7 per cent.
“Miniscule wage increases of less than a per cent show the disregard this company has for its own workers, who are currently paid the minimum award wage,” Mr Millroy said.
“These waste workers are standing up for cost-of-living pay rises and fair conditions. These are not radical demands.
“This is a publicly funded, council-owned facility. Residents and ratepayers expect their money to support decent local jobs, not to line the pockets of a private company. Re.Group makes millions from government contracts every year, they can afford to pay workers fairly.”
Mr Lamb said the TWU was making a pay claim of 21.5 per cent over three years.
“Employees received a 3.5 per cent pay rise on July 1 and we are offering to increase that to 4.2 per cent. This is well above annual inflation of 2.1 per cent,” he said.
“Re.Group remains committed to maintaining positive, respectful relationships with our team members.
“Negotiations with the TWU are continuing. However, the union’s pay claim of 21.5 per cent over three years is unsustainable. We believe our offer is fair.
“It is important we are financially responsible as we provide an important and essential service on behalf of Sunshine Coast ratepayers.”
The Materials Recovery Facility was funded through all levels of government and opened in late 2023, with Re.Group tasked with the ongoing operation of the plant.
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.
Sunshine Coast Council was contacted for comment. It has previously said the matter is between Re.Group and its employees.
