Youth detention workers secure in-principle pay deal with Queensland government

Youth detention centre workers have reached an in-principle agreement with the Queensland government after a lengthy dispute.

The Australian Workers' Union has reached an in-principle pay deal with the Queensland government for youth detention workers. The deal, which follows months of negotiation, will include early progression for starters and a $3,000 retention bonus at five years of service and $6,000 for 10 years.

Industrial action leads to in-principle agreement

Negotiations began in early March, with the Australian Workers' Union (AWU) pushing for better conditions following hundreds of reported assaults on detention centre employees over the past year. Youth detention workers at centres across the state mounted strike action in June, August and September, citing concerns about overcrowding and understaffing.

On Wednesday night AWU Queensland secretary Stacey Schinnerl said the union had accepted, in principle, the government's latest offer.

"This offer was hard-fought for by AWU members through significant protected industrial action, including strike action and workplace bans," she said.

"This offer will see pay rises, an advanced progression for new starters, a senior position review and lucrative retention payments for long-serving employees."

The department confirmed an in-principle deal had been reached. The in-principle deal will still need to be voted upon by the workforce, the AWU said.

Ms Schinnerl said the deal would go "some way" toward improving worker retention.

"But whatever the industrial deal, nothing will shift our laser focus on improving workplace safety and tackling the scourge of occupational violence," she said.