Thousands of council workers across New South Wales are at the breaking point as rising fuel prices make commuting a financial nightmare. The United Services Union is demanding a 50 per cent increase in fuel subsidies, taking the case to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission in a major industrial showdown.
⛽ Fuel Costs Devastating Workers’ Pay
Outdoor and depot-based roles—such as road crews, waste collection drivers, and parks staff—are feeling the squeeze hardest. Many of these workers:
- Start shifts before public transport is available
- Travel long distances to depots or job sites
- Have no realistic option but to drive
Union reports suggest weekly fuel costs have skyrocketed, with some workers now spending an extra $50–$100 just to get to work. For employees on modest wages, this is not a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious financial strain.
📢 Union Demands Urgent Action
The United Services Union argues that current travel allowances are outdated and insufficient. Their demands include:
- 50% increase in fuel subsidies
- Expanded work-from-home options wherever possible
- Consideration of four-day workweeks to cut commuting costs
“This isn’t a luxury,” a union spokesperson said. “It’s about ensuring essential workers can keep doing their jobs without going broke on the way there.”
🚧 Essential Workers Under Pressure
The problem is particularly acute in regional and outer suburban areas, where public transport is limited or nonexistent.
For many council staff:
- Driving isn’t optional—it’s required
- Fuel costs are unavoidable and rising
- Wages have not kept pace with expenses
Reports indicate some workers are now considering leaving their roles entirely, unable to afford the daily commute.
⚖️ Industrial Tribunal to Decide
The case before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission could set a precedent for thousands of council workers statewide. The tribunal must weigh:
- Financial pressures on employees
- Councils’ ability to fund increased subsidies
- Broader implications for public sector employment conditions
A ruling in favour of the union could reshape workplace support policies across the state.
🧠 The Bigger Picture
This dispute highlights a growing national concern: essential workers are being priced out of their jobs by the cost of simply getting there.
Fuel costs may seem like a personal expense, but for tens of thousands of NSW council employees, it has become an industrial issue with potentially far-reaching consequences.
As hearings get underway, workers and unions are watching closely: the daily commute may never be the same again.
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