Ipswich residents will see their bins collected as normal before Christmas, following an in-principle agreement between Ipswich City Council and three unions representing a third of its workforce.
The breakthrough, reached on Friday, ended industrial action that had disrupted waste collection services in recent weeks. Ipswich City Council Acting CEO Matt Smith confirmed the agreement with the Construction, Forestry, Mining & Energy, Industrial Union (CFMEU), Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), and Transport Workers’ Union (TWU).
“This protected industrial action has significantly impacted Ipswich residents,” Mr. Smith said. “Council believes it is unfair that residents have been left with the consequences of missed bin services right before Christmas.”
The new three-year agreements include a 13.75% wage increase, with 5% rises in the first two years and 3.75% in the final year, marking a 1% increase from council’s previous offer. Additionally, workers will transition to a 36.25-hour work week by July 1, 2026.
“Residents across Ipswich can now expect to see all their bins collected as normal,” Mr. Smith said, emphasizing the council’s efforts to resolve the matter in time for the holidays.
Catch-up collections are underway for suburbs affected by strikes over the past two Fridays and earlier this week. Residents are advised to leave bins on the kerb until collected. Regular waste services will resume Monday, aligning with the usual collection schedule.
“Residents have rightly been frustrated by this industrial action,” Mr. Smith added. “We thank them for their patience and understanding.”
The resolution brings relief to both residents and employees, ensuring a smoother holiday season and a return to normal services citywide.
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