Cleanaway staff strike to impact locally

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Residents in Brimbank have been assured Cleanaway staff going on strike won’t affect household collections, Brimbank council has confirmed.

Brimbank council said: “Brimbank council’s residential kerbside waste and recycling collection services will not be impacted by the current Cleanaway industrial action.”

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) this week announced stop work meetings and overtime bans had been endorsed for April 14 and 19 in protest of Cleanaway’s unfair conduct towards employees.

TWU Secretary Mike McNess said Cleanaway’s “poor treatment” of workers would have severe impacts on essential waste collection services.

“Workers at Cleanaway do not make the decision to take stop work action lightly and are aware of the unfortunate impact this will have on the community,” Mr McNess said.

“Workers are in pursuit of a fair deal which ensures strong conditions and job security, yet Cleanaway continue to treat their workers in a dishonest and disrespectful manner.”

The delays will affect businesses and schools across the north-west region of Melbourne, including Brimbank and Hume.

A spokesperson for Cleanaway said the company had entered discussions with the Transport Workers Union in “good faith”.

“There are outstanding terms and conditions that are yet to be agreed,” a Cleanaway spokesperson said.

“We will continue to engage transparently with the Transport Workers Union to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”