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Introduction
Queensland’s road network is facing delays as more than 450 transport workers down tools for 12 hours on Monday in a deepening pay dispute with the state government. The coordinated industrial action is part of a growing wave of public sector unrest, with transport staff accusing the government of underpaying them by up to 20 per cent compared to colleagues in equivalent roles.
Details of the Strike
The strike, organised by the **Professionals Australia Union**, began at **6am** and will continue until **6pm** Monday, August 4, 2025. Union members—who plan, deliver, and maintain major transport infrastructure—have walked off the job, warning of widespread disruptions.
“The stoppage is expected to cause delays to all major transport infrastructure projects and impact the traffic network,” the union said.
Pay Dispute and Union Claims
The union claims members are earning **up to 20 per cent less** than colleagues doing similar work on the same projects, despite their critical role in maintaining the state’s transport systems and responding to road incidents.
Professionals Australia Queensland Director **Sean Kelly** accused the government of leveraging withheld backpay as a pressure tactic during negotiations:
“Our members are responsible for the infrastructure that keeps Queensland moving, but they’re being penalised for exercising their legal right to protest.”
The strike follows smaller-scale action last week, during which 150 members were reportedly **sent home without pay** for participating in lawful work bans.
Government Response
A **Transport and Main Roads (TMR)** spokesperson acknowledged that the **TMR Certified Agreement 2022** expired on June 30. The department stated it supports the workers’ right to protected action and is making operational adjustments to minimise disruption.
“We do not anticipate any significant impact to TMR projects,” the spokesperson said.
“TMR is committed to continuing to meet with union representatives to reach an in-principle agreement.”
Escalating Industrial Climate
Monday’s strike is part of a growing trend of public sector industrial action across Queensland:
- **Nurses and Midwives Union** held strikes in June
- **Public servants**, including doctors, received an 8% pay deal over three years
- **Firefighters** are currently voting on potential strike action
- **State school staff** will strike Wednesday, impacting 570,000 students
A protest rally was also held Monday outside the office of Queensland Transport Minister **Brent Mickelberg**, where union members called for fairer wage structures and backpay.
Conclusion
As Queensland’s essential workers continue to demand wage parity, the transport strike underscores the mounting pressure on the state government to address industrial grievances. While authorities downplay the short-term impacts, the long-term implications for infrastructure planning and project continuity remain to be seen.