WDRC Bargaining Update: Other Councils are Delivering More
The Services Union will continue to support members at Western Downs Regional (WDRC) to reach an agreement you deserve. Since the last Commission conference, we have been busy planning for next actions and the upcoming Commission conference scheduled for 6 and 7 July 2026. Time has been set aside for Deputy President Merrell to meet with Councillors, given we’re told it’s the elected officials who haven’t given authority to pay you more.
We wrote to the Mayor and Councillors on 20 May 2026 seeking a meeting so that we could articulate why members deserve an agreement that meets cost of living pressures and recognises the contribution employees make to their community.
We have heard nothing from the elected officials which is extremely disappointing.
We have also been negotiating at other Councils where the CEO’s and elected officials clearly acknowledge employees contribution by agreeing to superior wage outcomes.
Last week, we finalised a wage increase of 5%, 4.5% and 4% among other significant improvements at a Council where members will be balloted on this. Members at Somerset Regional Council endorsed the following wages component of the agreement.
- Year 1: 5% (current Brisbane CPI is 4.7%)
- Year 2: 3.5% or CPI capped at 5%, whichever is greater
- Year 3: 3% or CPI capped at 4.5%, whichever is greater.
Both these Councils have smaller rate bases, aren’t in the same strong financial position as WDRC and already pay their employees more than WDRC.
Factor in the determination from the Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review increase of
4.75% and things
don’t look so great at WDRC.
What Can You Do?
Print and share copies of the below documents.
Click
HERE for the correspondence sent to elected officials.
Click HERE for an updated wages comparison.
Click
HERE for a flyer for distribution which is about the CEO’s submission to the Local Government Remuneration Commission (LGRC) to change category C1 to C2.
Quick Facts on Remuneration Increases for Elected Officials
- The LGRC determines the annual wage percentage increase every year.
- Separate to the annual wage increase, the LGRC reviews council categories every four years. The CEO submitted a proposal and if it was successful would have resulted in an increase of up to 25%. That’s a Fact.
What Next
The strike committee and delegates are currently discussing the next wave of action. Once this is finalised, delegates and strike committee members will reach out.
In the meantime, please advise your delegates JP Delofski and Penny Harvey whether there is a specific action that members in your work area would like to take.