In Melbourne, council employees across various local government areas have initiated a 24-hour strike in response to wage disputes. This industrial action has resulted in the suspension of waste collection services in Darebin, Merri-bek, and Hume, along with a halt to parking fine issuance in Yarra, Maribyrnong, and Melbourne.
The Australian Services Union (ASU) is advocating for a 10 percent salary increase for the first year, followed by annual increments of 4 percent thereafter. The strike has seen over 70 workers leave their posts, with the ASU warning that additional actions might extend to other council services and libraries.
Tash Wark, the secretary of ASU’s Victoria and Tasmania branch, noted that members have experienced a reduction in real wages ranging from 7 to 12 percent since 2021. She criticized the councils for resisting collective bargaining efforts among workers. “Our current actions are aimed at addressing the disparities we face,” she remarked during an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll defended the existing cap on rate increases, which has been in effect for a decade, asserting that it is not the root cause of the wage stagnation. He emphasized that the cap is intended to assist Victorians with their cost of living and to ensure that individuals retain more disposable income. Carroll encouraged ongoing negotiations between the councils and the ASU.
The ASU acknowledged that Victorian councils are bound by a rate rise cap of 2.75 percent, mandated by the Essential Services Commission. Wark criticized councils for opting to reduce wages and outsource services rather than addressing this policy challenge directly. “We expect both the state government and the councils to collaborate on a resolution that ensures fair compensation for council workers,” she stated, urging immediate action.
On the morning of the strike, many wheelie bins remained unemptied across several council regions, with the union estimating that 17,000 bins in Hume alone were affected. Brendan, a member of Hume’s litter and rubbish team, expressed his passion for his work despite its unpleasant nature. “It’s not glamorous work, especially when dealing with deceased animals, but I take pride in helping keep the streets clean,” he said during an interview.
However, he voiced concerns about the increasing difficulty of making ends meet. “With each passing year, it feels like I’m getting poorer. When I began five years ago, I could save money, but now it’s a struggle just to afford living expenses,” he lamented. “We are on the front lines, picking up rubbish daily. Without our efforts, the area would be in disarray. It’s time we advocate for our rights and receive fair compensation.”
