Townsville City Council Locks Out Employees Amid Industrial Action Dispute

Strategic Insights -

The Townsville City Council has decided to lock out its employees for up to 48 hours if they engage in industrial action, following 10 weeks of protected industrial action that has significantly impacted community services. The council and union members have been negotiating since March over staff remuneration, with the council recently offering improved pay increases to the unions. However, the bargaining parties have not agreed on a path forward that the council can accept, leading to the decision to lock out staff.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Townsville City Council will lock out employees for up to 48 hours if they engage in industrial action, starting from 6am Wednesday.
  • The council has been negotiating with the unions since March over staff remuneration, with 10 weeks of protected industrial action impacting community services.
  • The council has offered improved pay increases to the unions, including a 21.59% increase for trades and technical staff over three years, a 18.15% increase for field and outdoor staff, and an 11.39% increase for administrative and professional staff.
  • The Australian Workers Union Northern District Secretary for Queensland and NT, Jim Wilson, has criticized the council's decision to lock out staff, labeling it as "desperation" and a sign of the council's "complete loss of control".
  • The lockout will cause disruptions to the community, with a complete stoppage of all services for ratepayers.
  • The council has supported employees' rights to pursue their claims, including offering paid union meetings to discuss the latest offer.

Statistics:

  • The council's improved offer includes a 21.59% increase for trades and technical staff over three years, equating to an average increase of $8,681 in the first year.
  • Field and outdoor staff will receive an 18.15% increase over three years, including an average of $6,500 in the first year.
  • Administrative and professional staff will receive an 11.39% increase over three years, including an average of $4,381 in the first year.
  • 10 weeks of protected industrial action has significantly impacted community services.

Sources:

  • Townsville City Council, "Council to lock out staff for up to 48 hours"
  • WorkerPayPoll
  • Australian Workers Union, Northern District Secretary for Queensland and NT, Jim Wilson