Queensland child safety workers strike over pay
Queensland child safety workers walk off Friday over pay and conditions disputes.
The Together Union has been negotiating with the state government since March. Protected industrial action began in August.
Workers will stop work for about two-and-a-half hours Friday. Dee Spink, the union's assistant secretary, said members donate thousands of unpaid hours each month.
The government is not taking the dispute seriously, she said. Child safety workers report caseloads of 30 or more children.
The safe level is around 16. More than 100 child safety officer positions remain vacant.
Workers plan to bring air mattresses to local MPs' offices to highlight cases where children spent nights in government offices waiting for placement.
- March
- Negotiation start
- 30 or more children
- Caseload per worker
- around 16
- Safe caseload level
- more than 100
- Vacant positions
Why it mattersThe strike will temporarily disrupt child protection services at a time when the department is already stretched and struggling to meet demand.
AustraliaQueensland families and children in state care may face service delays during the strike as staff walk off the job to pressure the state government on pay and working conditions.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au·theage.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 21 h ago
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