Noosa Shire Council workers plan to continue their strike action until they negotiate a better pay deal.
Around 150 council workers rallied outside Noosa Council’s Tewantin Chambers yesterday morning.
They want a pay rise that keeps pace with neighbouring councils.
Australian Workers’ Union Organiser Michael Anderson said council staff in Noosa are under significant financial pressure.
“Our members do not want to strike, they love their local community and are frontline heroes, but something has to give,” Mr Anderson said.
“We are not asking for the world, we just want to keep our heads above water in the current cost-of-living crisis.
“Whether it is groceries, rent or rates for local homeowners, pressure on household budgets just keeps going up in Noosa,” he said.
The AWU said negotiations between Council and the unions have stalled in recent weeks after the local authority made a pay offer to workers that does not keep up with rates in neighbouring Councils.
Mr Anderson said outdoor workers at Noosa Shire Council are paid less than their counterparts in Gympie, the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay.
He said the rising cost of living is causing workers to have to make difficult choices about whether they can keep affording to live in Noosa.
Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock said Council has made a “fair and reasonable” offer that tackles the cost-of-living pressures, recognises the efforts of our staff and is financially responsible.
‘Negotiations with the unions have been productive to date and we remain committed to finalising a new enterprise agreement that strikes the right balance for our staff and the community.
“We’ve listened to feedback from our staff and tabled a generous package of conditions, including an offer of 13.5% over three years,” Mr Sengstock said.
“Ultimately, we have an obligation to our staff and a responsibility to deliver services and functions to our ratepayers and to spend money wisely,” he said.
“We value our staff and the role they play in delivering services to our shire, so it’s disappointing the unions are seeking wage increases that simply are not financially sustainable for the organisation or our ratepayers,” Mr Sengstock said.
He said Council has made a generous offer that is above inflation, as indicated by the consumer price index, but is in direct response to local cost of living pressures to ensure attraction and retention of staff.
“As part of the next stage, we have made submissions to the Industrial Relations Commission and fully respect the designated process of this independent tribunal to deliver a fair and reasonable outcome for our people.” Mr Sengstock said.
