What’s Happening?
Professional lifeguards employed by Surf Lifesaving Queensland (SLSQ) are preparing for industrial action after overwhelmingly rejecting the organisation’s latest pay offer for the second time in two months.
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), representing the lifeguards, has initiated the process for protected industrial action as part of a campaign for fair wages and better conditions.
AWU Queensland Branch Secretary Stacey Schinnerl stated: “Surf Lifesaving Queensland is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results – it is the definition of insanity to be testing the resolve of our beach lifeguards so close to Christmas.”
Why It Matters?
Queensland’s lifeguards are essential to ensuring public safety on beaches, especially during the busy summer season.
Rising cost-of-living pressures in coastal areas, coupled with what lifeguards describe as unsustainable wages, have sparked frustration within the workforce.
Ms Schinnerl highlighted the urgency of resolving the dispute, saying:“Our lifeguards work hard in hot and dangerous conditions to save lives on our beaches – they love their job and they love their local communities, but something has got to give.”
The AWU warned that without meaningful change, SLSQ could face significant disruptions at beaches over the summer.
Local Impact
- Lifeguards are supported by over 500 community members who signed a petition calling for fair wages.
- Beach safety could be compromised if experienced lifeguards leave the profession due to inadequate pay.
- Coastal communities are rallying behind the lifeguards, recognising their vital role in keeping beaches safe.
Ms Schinnerl emphasised the public’s support: “Coastal residents understand the vital role that Professional Lifeguards play to keep beaches safe. That safety is at risk with lifeguards considering leaving the profession due to the unsustainable wages.”
By the Numbers
- Starting casual hourly rate for SLSQ lifeguards: $34.28
- Starting casual hourly rate for City Council lifeguards: $42.90
- Community support: Over 500 petition signatures urging SLSQ to offer fair pay.
Zoom In
The rejected pay offer from SLSQ included only the Fair Work-mandated pay rise and a one-time taxed “cost of living” payment, which lifeguards argue is insufficient to address rising financial pressures.
The AWU claims that SLSQ’s refusal to align with local government wage agreements has widened the pay disparity in the industry.
Ms Schinnerl noted: “Professional Lifeguards have decided to draw a line in the sand and not back down until we get a pay rise.”
Zoom Out
This dispute reflects broader challenges in Australia’s workforce regarding pay equity and cost-of-living pressures.
Lifeguards employed by local councils earn substantially more than their SLSQ counterparts for similar work, raising questions about the wage structure within the industry.
Ms Schinnerl warned: “Surf Lifesaving Queensland can avoid potential disruptions at our beaches by doing the right thing and paying our lifeguards what they deserve.”
What to Look For Next?
The AWU has indicated that industrial action is imminent unless SLSQ returns to the table with a better offer.
While the union has assured the public that any action will prioritise safety, the risk of summer disruptions looms large.
Ms Schinnerl concluded: “It’s going to be a tough summer for Surf Lifesaving Queensland if we don’t see a resolution on this wage dispute.”
