Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) members at Cleanaway Noosa have claimed a landmark victory after months of bargaining and industrial action, locking in major gains on pay, job security, and working conditions.
The breakthrough follows seven days of strike action earlier this year that brought local waste services to a halt and put a spotlight on the treatment of Noosa’s essential waste workers.
TWU Queensland director of organising, Josh Millroy said, “TWU members at Cleanaway Noosa didn’t back down, and now they’ve achieved several key wins for pay, job security and conditions.”
“It’s a shame that it took multiple days of strike action and thousands of missed services, but that shows that as the TWU: when we fight, we win.
“This is the first time a Cleanaway site has locked in an end-of-contract bonus, and it won’t be the last. This sets a new standard in the waste industry traditionally plagued by insecure contracts.
“These are the people out in the heat, in the rain, on public holidays, doing essential work. The residents of Noosa know how critical this work is, and I’m sure they’ll be pleased to see these garbos get a decent pay rise.”
Workers voted over 93 per cent in favour of the new enterprise agreement, which delivers several key wins, including:
– A pay rise of at least 9.68 per cent over three years: Some workers will be earning $5.28 more per hour by October next year.
– Legal Indemnity for Drivers/Operators ensuring workers are protected if something goes wrong on the job.
– A $2500 End-of-Contract Bonus: the first ever won at a Cleanaway site, increasing economic security for workers and their families.
– Additional paid work break, recognising the physical demands of waste work.
– Wage increases delivered five months earlier than scheduled – putting money in workers’ pockets sooner.
The TWU will continue its fight for fair pay and protections across other Cleanaway sites and throughout the waste industry.
