Mid Year Bonus for Disaster Relief Workers

Mackay Council workers have put in a champion effort to get this city back on its feet after the February floods, said Paul Howes, National Secretary of the Australian Worker’s Union this week in Mackay.

The AWU on behalf of local government workers is calling on Mackay Regional Council to properly recognise all the hard work that's been put in - and give all those who've helped out a big 'thank you'.

"I think it's time the council thought about giving everyone a mid year bonus to say thanks because let's face it - there's still a lot of work to be done," said Mr Howes.

"Council workers have put in a round the clock effort since floods devastated Mackay in February, rebuilding roads and other critical infrastructure."

The Australian Workers' Union represents more than 350 outdoor staff at the Council and two months on from the floods, Mackay still has a massive clean up operation on its hands.

AWU Queensland Branch Secretary Bill Ludwig said "Long after the TV news cameras have left and the State Emergency Service have gone home council workers have been left to do the long hard yards to get the local economy back on its feet."

"There is still plenty of repair work to be done to get local roads and other important infrastructure back into shape.

"It's going to take a huge effort to meet the 12 month deadline for all repair works but our members are committed to making it happen.

"Mackay Regional Council should move to properly recognize their hard work with a mid year thank you bonus for all disaster relief workers."

The AWU is seeking a formal meeting with the Council to discuss the proposed thank you bonus this week.

Paul Howes and Bill Ludwig will tomorrow meet with Mackay Regional Council workers at Bedford Road Depot at 12pm to congratulate them for all their hard working since the floods.