What’s Happening?
Townsville City Council (TCC) workers, represented by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), have begun negotiations with management for a new enterprise agreement this week. The union is pushing for fairer wages, arguing that TCC workers are significantly underpaid compared to neighbouring councils—despite ratepayers being charged some of the highest council fees in the region.
Why It Matters?
The pay gap between TCC workers and their counterparts in nearby councils is as high as 14% at some levels. This disparity has raised concerns about staff retention, with the AWU warning that skilled council workers may leave for better-paying roles elsewhere. Union representatives also question how TCC justifies its high rate charges while keeping wages for frontline workers low.
AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson stressed the importance of these workers, saying:
“AWU members do the jobs that need doing to make Townsville the great place it is to live. They make sure we have safe drinking water, they make sure our toilets flush, they keep our parks mowed and safe for our kids, they empty our wheelie bins plus more than a thousand other things we don’t notice because they do them so well.”
Wilson also pushed back against expected arguments from TCC management that a wage increase would lead to higher rates:
“We know that TCC management is going to use a community scare campaign, threatening potential rate rises to avoid giving TCC workers a fair pay rise. But we also know that rates and wages aren’t connected, because if they were, our members at TCC would be the highest paid in the region. Instead, TCC workers are the lowest paid.”
Local Impact
With Townsville residents already paying among the highest rates in North Queensland, many are asking why more of that revenue isn’t being directed towards worker wages. The AWU argues that excessive middle management spending has led to a funding imbalance, leaving frontline workers underpaid while increasing the financial burden on ratepayers.
Wilson posed a question for the community to consider:
“A good question for ratepayers to ask council management is, ‘Why are we paying so much in rates when the workers get paid so little?’”
By the Numbers
- 14% pay gap: A Level 3 worker at TCC earns up to 14% less than their counterparts in neighbouring councils.
- High ratepayer costs: Townsville ratepayers are charged significantly more than those in nearby council areas for the same services.
- Retention risks: TCC workers could earn substantially more by taking similar jobs just an hour’s drive away, raising concerns about losing skilled employees.
Zoom In
The AWU warns that if this pay gap is not addressed, the consequences could be severe. Workers may leave for higher-paying councils, leaving Townsville under-resourced when it comes to essential services and disaster response.
Wilson highlighted the critical role these workers play:
“Long after the media and politicians have left, AWU members are still there cleaning up after every natural disaster or weather event. If this low rate of pay continues, we could be faced with a situation where there’s not enough workers to respond to the next emergency.”
Zoom Out
This bargaining period comes amid broader concerns about council spending and management efficiency across Queensland. The AWU’s criticism of bloated middle management reflects a wider debate on how local government funds are allocated and whether frontline workers are receiving fair compensation.
What to Look For Next?
- Ongoing enterprise agreement negotiations between the AWU and TCC management.
- Potential community reaction as ratepayers weigh in on the issue.
- Whether TCC workers will take industrial action if a fair wage agreement is not reached.
