Council prepares for protected industrial action

Published on 05 May 2026

Western Downs Regional Council has been notified of protected industrial action in the form of work stoppages which may commence on 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, to allow Council to manage the delivery of services with minimal disruption to the community.

Western Downs Regional Council CEO Jodie Taylor said employees participating in the action will not be paid for time not at work for the duration of the protected industrial action by union members.

"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 to participate in a conciliation meeting held at the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission last Thursday.

"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 an at-risk CPI uplift of 1% capped in year 3.

"In contrast, as of last Thursday, what the unions are seeking is 6% in year 1, 5.5% in year 2 and 4.5% in year 3 with at at-risk uplift of 1%.

"Eligible staff have the legal right to participate, but we believe there are more productive ways to reach a good outcome.

Mrs Taylor said Council remained committed to the 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 is 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 actionbut would be working hard internally to cover services.

"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 also important to remember the staff who will be working very hard to cover our operations; we call on the community to treat them with respect and kindness.

"We respect our employees' legal right to participate in protected industrial action, and we will not treat anyone unfairly because they choose to do so - or because they choose not to.

"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 have another conciliation meeting scheduled with the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission on 18 May 2026."

For more information contact Council on 1300 268 624 (COUNCIL) or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.