Towong Council workers have launched historic industrial action over what they consider an “unfair” pay offer and rising charges for residents.

For the first time in the council’s history, its workers have commenced are taking protected industrial action in response to a wage proposal that workers say fails both staff and the local community.

A stop work meeting was held yesterday outside the Corryong council chambers to coincide with the monthly council meeting.

Australian Services Union (ASU) members have rejected the council’s offer of 2.5 per cent or the rate cap per year.

ASU branch secretary (Vic/Tas), Tash Wark, said “This figure represents a real-world pay cut and fails to address the rising cost of living.

“Workers have been left with no other option than to take action.

“Our members have been pushed to this point by a council that refuses to offer a fair deal.

“The offer of just 2.5 per cent is a significant pay cut in real terms and shows a lack of respect for the essential work our members do every day to keep Towong running.”

The ASU has also condemned council’s decision to increase user charges to help fund pay rises, particularly after it refused to apply for available federal government retention payments designed to help lift wages for early years childcare workers.

Ms Wark said the decision was a slap in the face to residents and workers.

“What’s most alarming is that council is hitting residents with higher user charges despite the CEO herself acknowledging in a submission to the Fair Work Commission that residents ‘cannot afford higher rates or user charges,” she said.

“This hypocrisy is staggering. You can’t say residents are struggling on one hand and then hike their fees with the other, all while refusing available government funding that would ease the burden.

“It raises serious questions about this council’s priorities.”

In addition to Wednesday’s protest a three-hour work stoppage was held by Tallangatta-based members and a one-hour stoppage by Corryong and regional members was also held.

Pay protest

Further protected industrial action includes indefinite bans on a range of services including:-

• Street cleaning and sweeping in key areas including the main street of Tallangatta.
• Litter and garbage pickup in council reserves and roadsides.
• Emptying bins and cleaning public toilets and barbecues in the main street and foreshore areas of Tallangatta.
• Attending internal team and department meetings.

“Taking industrial action is always a last resort but our members are united,” Ms Wark said.

“We are fighting for a fair wage that allows us to live in the community we serve and we are standing against a council that is placing an unfair burden on its own residents.

“We urge council to come back to the table with a fair offer that values its workers and respects the community.”

This article appeared in Corryong Courier, 24 July 2025.