Western Downs Regional Council has been notified of protected industrial action in the form of work stoppages which may commence from Wednesday, 6 May 2026, as part of ongoing EBA negotiations.
In response to the protected industrial action and to avoid disruption, Council has confirmed it will be locking out employees who engage in the protected action until the commencement of their duties the following day.
Western Downs Regional Council CEO Jodie Taylor employees who choose to participate in the action will not be paid for time not at work for the duration of the lockout.
"Last Wednesday, Council received notice from TSU, AWU, TWU, and CFMEU that their members may engage in protected industrial action, commencing Wednesday, 6 May 2026," Mrs Taylor said.
"It's disappointing that this notification was received the day before we were scheduled meet with the unions to participate in a conciliation meeting held at the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission the next day.
"At the conciliation meeting, Council offered what we believe to be a fair wage increase of 4% in year 1, 4% in year 2 and 3% with risk CPI uplift of 1% capped in year 3."
Mrs Taylor said Council remained committed to responsible management of ratepayer funds, ensuring fair outcomes for employees while maintaining essential services and remaining financially responsible.
"Council is also aware that increases are ultimately passed onto our community, and to many of our employees, in the rates we pay," she said.
"The offer Council has put forward what we believe to be a balanced outcome for staff, service continuity, and responsible management of Council's resources."
Mrs Taylor said there could be disruptions to some Council services during the notified protected industrial action.
"Under the Fair Work Act 2009, Council cannot lawfully ask if employees are union members, so we are unable to predict how many employees are members of the TSU, AWU, TWU, and CFMEU and will choose to participate," she said.
"We know we will have a number of employees, who are members of these unions, who may choose to participate but it's important to remember the majority of our staff, who will come to work and continue to serve our community and keep essential services running during the protected industrial action.
"Council is committed to managing public resources responsibly and transparently, so we can continue supporting our people and delivering on our obligations to the Western Downs community.
"Council will continue our EBA discussions respectfully, listen to feedback, and keep our employees informed as negotiations progress.
"We encourage unions and employees to keep engaging constructively at the bargaining table."
