STRIKES THREATEN CARNIVAL
Negotiation breakdown between council and workers could affect city operations and major events
THE Carnival of Flowers could be impacted by protracted strike action as relations between the Toowoomba Regional Council and its workers reach a new low.
More than 150 employees and union officials made their voices heard at the first major strike on Thursday outside City Hall, calling for the council to return to the negotiating table.
The action comes just days after the month-long carnival began.
TOOWOOMBA’S most lucrative tourism event could be affected by an ongoing pay dispute between the council and its workers, with negotiations between the two parties hitting a new low.
More than 150 employees and union officials made their voices heard at the first major strike on Thursday outside City Hall, calling for the council to return to the negotiating table and work out a “fair deal”.
Sporting flags and uniforms, workers from five major unions also erected a giant inflatable rat on the village green.
It comes as the council said service delivery could be affected by further protected industrial action, just days out from major events for the Carnival of Flowers.
Unions want a 2.5 per cent wage increase, new allowances for workers dealing with asbestos or high voltage, and a maintained superannuation increase, among other protections.
Transport Workers’ Union representative Geoffrey Green said the workers deserved what they thought was a fair pay increase.
“We believe the council workers are the backbone of the communities across the Toowoomba region – they’re out there maintaining the parks and gardens,” he said.
“It’s been over seven months and they’re not prepared to continue to negotiate.”
Electrical Trades Union organiser Dan McGaw said while workers wanted to avoid impacts on the community, he said further action was likely that could affect the carnival.
“We don’t want to impact Carnival of Flowers, but unless they listen, something is going to happen,” he said.
“We want to make sure the public isn’t impacted too much.”
AMWU representative Ricky Luke said action would end once the council came back with a better offer.
“We want to get them back to the table and get a fair deal,” he said.
Workers received a letter from council chief executive Brian Pidgeon last month saying any staff involved in industrial action would not be allowed to attend work that day.
Mr Pidgeon confirmed this to The Chronicle, arguing the council had acted in good faith during negotiations and was ready to continue talks.
“Council has met with the combined unions on 11 separate occasions, including most recently on August 6, and remains ready and willing to continue negotiations in good faith to reach a positive outcome for all parties, within council’s financial constraints,” he said.
“Council’s offers are consistent with its budget and financial sustainability parameters.
“Any divergence from this approach would be financially irresponsible and negatively affect ratepayers through an increase to rates.
“PIA (protected industrial action) can result in workplace health and safety risks to employees and the public, and potentially could impede service delivery to our community.”
Mr Pidgeon said the council was preparing for potential impacts on its operations and wouldn’t rule out it affecting the carnival.
“Council will consider and plan for any impacts on business continuity, especially around maintaining critical service delivery for the community and in instances where action might disrupt emergency responsiveness,” he said.
“Council has been completely transparent and consistent throughout the negotiation process.”