The Australian Workers’ Union will escalate its campaign for fair wages with a work stoppage and march on Townsville City Council tomorrow, coinciding with the scheduled council meeting.
AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson called on Townsville City Council not to engage in the same unsafe activity that was reported during the last work stoppages.
"Our members are deeply concerned that council has thrown safety out the window when it suits them. These are potentially serious breaches that endanger lives," Mr Wilson said.
"One report involved an inexperienced driver being told to operate a garbage truck, who then reversed into a stationary vehicle. For local residents, this is terrifying, especially given recent events."
Mr Wilson said the incidents revealed how far senior management would go to protect their own high paying positions instead of negotiating a fair outcome.
"Rather than put a fair offer on the table, TCC management is risking worker and community safety. We will not let them get away with it," he said.
"AWU officials will be onsite from 6am tomorrow to conduct safety inspections and ensure the community is protected."
Alleged safety breaches include:
• Contractors performing work without proper inductions
• Inexperienced drivers operating garbage trucks without competency checks
• Inexperienced operators working on tip faces at dumps
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
Jim Wilson, AWU Northern District Secretary, will be available for comment from 8:45am tomorrow at the front of TCC Chambers, Walker Street.
Contact: Tim Brunero - 0405 285 547
