July 7, 2023

WASTE WORKERS STRIKE TO HIT SYDNEY AS TWU CALLS FOR COUNCIL TO INTERVENE

Waste workers on the Cleanaway City of Sydney contract have made the difficult decision to once again engage in a 24-hour stoppage today, 07 July 2023, to protest Cleanaway’s ongoing attack on conditions in their ongoing improved working conditions.

This will be the seventh time these workers go on strike in the past twelve months, following persistent attacks to pay and conditions by Cleanaway management, and despite numerous attempts to negotiate a fair agreement.

Cleanaway have continued attempting to strip back overtime entitlements and extend rosters as well as force workers to work weekends for less take home pay. This follows the announcement of an astounding $49 million half-year profit after tax earlier this year.

The TWU are continuing to call on Lord Mayor Clover Moore of City of Sydney Council to intervene promptly in this dispute and hold Cleanaway to account.

TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary, Richard Olsen said:

“Waste workers play an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness of our cities. They tirelessly work to ensure the well-being and health of the community. Yet, Cleanaway still continue to make attempts to undermine and strip back their working conditions.”

“We have made multiple attempts to contact the City of Sydney Council, who are still yet to provide any intervention. This council hold the control of the contracts, and by extension, are stakeholders in this negotiation.”

“The TWU are simply requesting that Clover Moore takes a seat at the table, for the welfare of these essential workers, and for the welfare of the community. We have been in bargaining for this agreement for approximately 8 months now, and currently we do not forsee an end to these negotiations any time soon.”

“For the sake of these workers, and for the sake of the City of Sydney, we are urging Clover Moore to come forward and contact the TWU as soon as possible, and take a stand in this outrageous matter.”

 

Media contact: Caitlin Marlor 0405 625 208

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