General News
14 May, 2026
Council staff unrest
DOUGLAS Shire Council is threatening to lock out any council staff taking part in industrial action.
Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) members at the council began taking industrial action last week as part of ongoing negotiations with the council for a new certified agreement.
AWU members took the step after the council refused to agree to a fair pay rise for council employees.
In a move that has escalated the dispute, council has now notified staff that they will lock out any worker who engages in protected industrial action.
“The only action our members have engaged in so far is a ban on working overtime,” said AWU northern district secretary Jim Wilson said.
“Council’s response to this has been to threaten to lock out the council’s workforce,” he said.
“This decision could lead to significant service disruption for the local community, all over workers not working more than their regular roster.”
“Our members working for Douglas Shire have taken a real wage cut of more than 5% since 2021.
“All they’re asking for is wage rise that keeps their head above water. These are the workers that make sure the community has safe drinking water, flushing toilets and well-maintained roads and parks.
“They’re not asking for the world, just to be able to continue to afford to live in the community they serve.”
Council’s decision to lock workers out is likely to lead to significant service disruptions in coming weeks.
In response, a council representative acknowledged that council had been formally notified by unions that their members intend to undertake protected industrial action as part of ongoing negotiations relating to pay and conditions.
The council spokesman said the Australian Workers’ Union of Employees, Queensland Services Union (AWUEQ) and The Queensland Services, Industrial Union of Employees (QSIUE) had told council that the dispute was part of the current enterprise bargaining process.
The notification identifies a range of potential actions, including work stoppages and work bans, which may be progressed by union members in pursuit of claims for increased wages and other matters.
The council representative said council also acknowledged and respected the lawful right of employees to engage in protected industrial action.
At the same time, he said council was encouraging all staff to remain focused on their commitment to the Douglas Shire community by continuing to perform their full range of duties wherever possible.
The spokesman said council also held legal rights of its own and, where necessary, would exercise those rights to ensure that essential community services are maintained and delivered without disruption.
He said council maintained that its current offer regarding pay and conditions was fair and reasonable and appropriately balanced the interests of employees with those of residents and ratepayers.
“Council remains committed to achieving a financially sustainable enterprise agreement that responsibly manages public resources and supports the long-term wellbeing of the community,” the spokesman said.
