From this Friday garbage collectors in Ipswich will be going on strike affecting up to 30,000 homes.

A pay dispute between Ipswich Waste Services workers and Ipswich City Council has led to this industrial action.

Workers are asking for better pay, increased superannuation, and allowances for handling dangerous materials.

Transport Workers’ Union Queensland Director of Organising Josh Millroy told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, ‘these guys do really dangerous work, they’re often hosing out hazardous waste, poisons, rotting garbage from the back of trucks.’

‘So, this is a really tough job. Now, these members don’t want to take industrial action. They’ve tried to reach a fair agreement with the Council,’ Millroy said.

‘But as cost of living and CPI has been so high over the last few years, these workers’ pays have been going backwards in real terms.’

‘So we want to make sure these guys get a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and also that they’re not destitute in their retirement.’

Hear more highlights from Peter Fegan below:

Image: Ipswich City Council/Facebook

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