Negotiations are underway between the Australia Workers Union and Townsville City Council after council staff defied a threatened lockout, walking off the job to demand better pay.
Members of The Services Union staged a two-hour stoppage outside council chambers on Wednesday, frustrated at being offered just an 11 percent rise over three years. The AWU says Townsville council workers are some of the lowest paid in the region.
Australian Workers Union Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson described the council’s lockout threat as counterproductive, saying it only escalated tensions.
A Townsville City Counil spokesperson says council’s offer represents what they can reasonably offer:
“Council believes this is a genuine and balanced offer and represents the absolute of what can be reasonably be offered without putting jobs or essential services at risk.
“Council understands people are frustrated by the constant interruptions, so we’re acting in the best interest of our community and exercising our right to lock those who wish to continue participating in ongoing industrial action, out.”
Union members met with council again as talks continue, pushing for fairer wages and better recognition for staff who provide essential services to the community.
