Line in the sand: Qld beaches the next site for industrial action

According to the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), industrial action is soon coming to Queensland’s beaches after professional lifeguards rejected the latest pay offer from Surf Life Saving Queensland.

Lifeguards who protect beachgoers across Queensland overwhelmingly rejected the latest pay offer from Surf Life Saving Queensland, potentially setting the stage for industrial action. This marks yet the second time beach lifeguards have voted against an offer from Surf Life Saving Queensland in the last two months.

“Surf Life Saving Queensland is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results – it is the definition of insanity to be testing the resolve of our beach lifeguards so close to Christmas,” said AWU Queensland branch secretary Stacey Schinnerl.

“We hope the organisation have learned their lesson, do the right thing and give our lifeguards the pay rise they deserve.”

The offer from Surf Life Saving Queensland was reportedly only in line with the Fair Work mandated pay rise, as well as a one-time taxed cost-of-living payment.

“Professional lifeguards have decided to draw a line in the sand and not back down until we get a pay rise,” said Schinnerl.

According to Schinnerl, the only next reasonable step in the campaign for fair wages is industrial action, with AWU members employed by the organisation beginning the process to take protected industrial action. Schinnerl said that Surf Life Saving Queensland has the power to end this dispute today.

“Surf Life Saving Queensland can avoid potential disruptions at our beaches by doing the right thing and paying our lifeguards what they deserve. No one is more committed to beach safety than lifeguards, so no matter what action our members take, the community can rest assured it will be conducted in a safe manner,” Schinnerl said.

“Our lifeguards work hard in hot and dangerous conditions to save lives on our beaches – they love their job, and they love their local communities, but something has got to give. It’s going to be a tough summer for Surf Life Saving Queensland if we don’t see a resolution on this wage dispute.”

The AWU stated that the community is rallying behind the lifeguards, with over 500 beachgoers signing a petition calling on Surf Life Saving Queensland to increase wages. Schinnerl said that it is great to see the community backing our beach lifeguards.

“Coastal residents understand the vital role that professional lifeguards play to keep beaches safe. That safety is at risk with lifeguards considering leaving the profession due to the unsustainable wages,” said Schinnerl.