Industrial action is coming to Queensland’s beaches after professional lifeguards overwhelmingly voted against the latest pay offer from Surf Lifesaving Queensland.
This marks the second time beach lifeguards have voted against a bad offer from Surf Lifesaving Queensland in the past two months.
Australian Workers’ Union Queensland Branch Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said that it was time Surf Lifesaving Queensland paid their workers what they deserve.
“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," said Ms Schinnerl.
“We hope the organisation have learned their lesson, do the right thing and give our lifeguards the pay rise they deserve.”
Surf Lifesaving Queensland only offered workers the Fair Work mandated pay rise, and a one time taxed “cost of living” payment.
This is an unsustainable rate of pay for the workers who are drowning under cost-of-living pressures, especially in the coastal areas where these jobs are based.
“Professional Lifeguards have decided to draw a line in the sand and not back down until we get a pay rise,” Ms Schinnerl said.
Industrial action will be the next step in beach lifeguards’ campaign for fair wages, with AWU members employed by the organisation beginning the process to take protected industrial action.
Ms Schinnerl said that Surf Lifesaving Queensland can end this dispute today.
“Surf Lifesaving Queensland can avoid potential disruptions at our beaches by doing the right thing and paying our lifeguards what they deserve,” Ms Schinnerl said.
“No one is more committed to beach safety than lifeguards, so no matter what action our members take, the community can rest assured it will be conducted in a safe manner.
“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.
“It’s going to be a tough summer for Surf Lifesaving Queensland if we don’t see a resolution on this wage dispute.”
The community is standing behind our beach lifeguards, with over 500 beach goers signing a petition calling on Surf Lifesaving Queensland to increase wages.
Ms Schinnerl said that it is great to see the community backing our beach lifeguards.
“Coastal residents understand the vital role that Professional Lifeguards play to keep beaches safe,” said Ms Schinnerl.
"That safety is at risk with lifeguards considering leaving the profession due to the unsustainable wages.
Media Contact: Emily Searle 0421 160 866
Background:
Starting level casual hourly rate comparison:
SLSQ Lifeguards: $34.28
Gold Coast City Council Lifeguards: $42.90
Over the last nine years, wages under SLSQ EAs have fallen significantly behind the rates of Local Government Agreements, leaving Sunshine Coast Lifeguards financially disadvantaged.
SLSQ has adhered to the AE&R Award but has been unwilling to include conditions from Local Government Agreements in its enterprise agreements. This has created a significant wage disparity within the industry, where workers in similar roles earn vastly different rates.