Beachgoers have come out in strong support for Professional Lifeguards, signing a petition in mass numbers to advocate for an increase in their wages.
Despite broadcasting record revenue, Surf Lifesaving Queensland is refusing to give Lifeguards a pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living.
In response to the stalemate at the bargaining table, the Australian Workers’ Union have taken to the beaches to rally public support for their cause.
AWU State Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said, “The community deserve to be made aware that the people that work so hard to protect us are not being treated with respect by SLSQ.
“We have been out at Queensland beaches talking to the public and putting up signs to give the public a chance to show their support.
“The campaign has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
“Many beachgoers were shocked at SLSQ’s disregard for the people who protect our community every day,” Ms Schinnerl said.
“The public is rightfully wary that there will not be enough Professional Lifeguards to keep the beaches open if the wages do not improve.”
Professional Lifeguards do the vast majority of QLD beach patrolling. There are not enough volunteers to protect the many beaches and lagoons.
Lifeguards’ ability to do the job they love is under threat. It is becoming increasingly unsustainable for Lifeguards to justify staying in the profession that they love with the lagging wages.
“Our beaches cannot stay open without them.”
The previous EBA offer was decisively voted down by the workforce.
“Lifeguards have put up with a string of unsatisfactory wage rises and now it’s time to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough,” Ms Schinnerl said.
“We call on SLSQ to put a fair deal on the table that reflects the value that Professional Lifeguards bring to the community and keeps our beaches open.”
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