Garbos oppose redundancy deal

Garbos oppose redundancy deal

By Maurice Sibelle

BRISBANE — Three hundred garbos rallied at King George Square on September 22 to protest against a redundancy deal being offered by the Brisbane City Council. Eighty out of three hundred garbos will retain their jobs in 1994 when the council introduces one person trucks to its collection service.

The rally was held after working hours, with almost 100% turn out by the membership. Transport Workers Union delegate Cliffe Barnes claimed that the council stands to save $12 million a year from the introduction of the new technology.

"Many of the workers will never work again", he said. "With unemployment like it is we need people to go out with a fair redundancy package. The package we are asking for will cost the council $3 million."

The TWU wants the council to recognise service from 1976, the date that council previously recognised for continuity of service. The council is offering to pay the redundant workers from 1984. The union want eight weeks' termination pay and four weeks for every year of service since 1976.

From GLW issue 117