Thousands of council workers across Melbourne are planning a 24-hour strike on June 17 as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and cost-of-living pressures.
The industrial action, backed by the Australian Services Union, is expected to affect rubbish collection, recycling services, road maintenance, parks, libraries, and home care services across several Victorian councils.
More than 1,500 workers are expected to take part in the walkout and march from Trades Hall to Parliament House, marking the second major strike action in two months following a similar rally in May.
Union representatives argue that council employees have experienced a significant decline in real wages since 2021 due to state government rate caps, while rising inflation continues to place financial pressure on workers.
The union says frontline staff do not take industrial action lightly but believe the strike is necessary to secure fair wages and keep pace with the increasing cost of living.
