As a long-standing resident of Ipswich, I am disheartened and frustrated with the ongoing situation of our garbage workers, also known as 'Garbos'. Their struggle for fair pay has caused a significant disruption with approximately 30,000 wheelie bins remaining uncollected across 11 suburbs. Yet, amidst this crisis, our Mayor seems more interested in frivolous spending and needless extravagances.

Around 400 of our hard-working Garbos across three unions have taken to the streets, refusing to back down in a stand-off with Ipswich City Council. It's high time we acknowledged the importance of their job and respect their right to equitable pay. These workers are critical to our community's upkeep and sanitation, yet they are being overlooked and underpaid. It's clear their value to our city is not being recognized by the current leadership.

We, the people of Ipswich, need to join our voices in solidarity with our Garbos. Let's urge the Ipswich City Council to return back to the negotiating table and once again prioritize the well-being and financial stability of our Garbos over unnecessary and irresponsible municipal expenses.

Sign this petition to demand a pay rise for the garbage workers of Ipswich, Queensland. Supporting our Garbos means supporting the cleanliness and health of our city. Let's not allow bureaucratic red tape and political neglect to mar our community spirit and resilience. Join me today in this fight for fair pay. Sign the petition now.

 

Workers want a 15 per cent pay rise over three years but the council is only offering 12.75 per cent.

"The bottom line is their offer is too low and it does not compensate for how far backwards these guys have gone over the last few years," Transport Workers Union's Josh Milroy said.

"There's quite a significant increase that the union has asked for, over and above what we're offering to the tune of several million dollars impact on council," acting Ipswich council chief executive Matt Smith said.

 

Workers also want a 1.5 per cent increase in superannuation, which the council has knocked back.

"There's plenty of money being spent in this budget that is not being spent on these workers," Milroy said.

"We've had $100 million for a redevelopment here for a pub and a cinema yet we can't pay these guys enough money to support their families."

But the council claimed if it agrees to the union's demands, it could push rates up about five per cent.

There are threats of more strikes just a week out from Christmas.