Employees Demand Fair Wages Amid Rising Costs
MELBOURNE — Engineers and managers at Coliban Water have voted to initiate industrial action over unmet pay rise demands. The move comes as the utility, serving the Premier’s Bendigo East electorate, maintains the highest water rates in Victoria. According to union representatives, the first action will be a two-hour stop-work scheduled for March 25 at 11 am.
This decision follows a strong turnout in the protected action ballot, where an overwhelming majority supported the strike. Union members argue that despite their critical role in ensuring safe water supply and managing a significant $500 million infrastructure upgrade, their pay lags behind counterparts in Melbourne, as confirmed by Professionals Australia and the Australian Services Union (ASU).
Union Leaders Speak Out
Bella Himmelreich, a Senior Organiser at Professionals Australia, criticised Coliban Water‘s response to the campaign, citing threats to stand down employees for displaying campaign messages. She emphasised the disparity between executive pay increases and the stagnation of worker wages. Phillipa Balk, ASU Assistant Secretary for Victoria and Tasmania, highlighted the financial burdens faced by workers, pointing out that their real wages have declined by 13% since 2021.
The industrial action takes place against a backdrop of rising living costs, where union leaders claim that Coliban Water’s cash reserves exceed $20 million, yet management offers only a 3% pay rise. The unions are advocating for a 4.5% increase to address the cost of living pressures on employees.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 2 April 2026, 4:33 pm
