Union members working at Noosa Council have taken strike action four times in a fight for fair pay – and now with the latest offer on the table, they’re coming closer to an agreement.
The Unions put together three offers for the Council to consider – after a further bargaining dispute in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) with Commissioner Caddie on 7 May.
Union representatives met with Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock on Friday 9 May to present the first two counteroffers for wage increases, as endorsed by their members.
During the meeting, the CEO expressed a preference for a three-year agreement and raised concerns about the first year of the proposals being too “top heavy” in terms of wage increases.
In response, the Bargaining Delegates, representing all Unions, put forward a third counteroffer with the proposed wage increases: 6.50 per cent – backdated to 26 February 2025, 5 per cent – effective 1 July 2026, 4 per cent – effective 1 July 2027.
In the most recent bargaining meeting on Tuesday 13 May, Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock agreed to include back pay, effective from February this year and a 15 per cent wage increase over three years, in the latest revised offer to Unions.
The unions are seeking 15.5 per cent over three years, but have agreed to take the revised Council offer to their members on Tuesday 20 May.
The new Council offer of 15 per cent (6.5 per cent in year one, 4.5 per cent and 4 per cent) includes back pay to the date when the previous CA agreement concluded (27 Feb 2025).
Mr Sengstock said back pay had not previously been guaranteed, due to the protracted negotiation process.
“It was difficult to ascertain what the costs to Council might be during this delayed negotiation period, however this latest offer, based on our calculations in a tight economic climate, is absolutely the best we can do, particularly as it now includes backpay,” he said.
Mr Sengstock thanked the unions for agreeing to bring the overall CA agreement into line with Council’s financial years, resulting in a potential agreement of three years and four months.
“We appreciate the unions seeking to have further talks and acknowledge their support in providing us with the opportunity to review and adjust our offer over the longer period,” he said.
“We have provided a package that helps the best we can with the current cost of living issues, ensures the security of jobs, while being cognisant of the cost to our residents and the long term sustainability of the organisation.
“Unfortunately the unions have refused to lift protected industrial action until they meet with their members on Tuesday 20 May.”
The next meeting with Commissioner Caddie of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) is scheduled for Thursday 22 May.
