Australian transit giant faces strike

Workers cite job security, workplace safety and superannuation as part of their concerns

Australia’s flagship transportation company could be facing work stoppages after the union representing its workers vowed job action.

The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) announced on Aug. 27 that employees at Toll, Australia’s transportation giant, voted 85 per cent in favour of action against the company if a fair collective agreement is not reached. That includes 72-hour work stoppages.

During negotiations, workers voiced concerns over job security, workplace safety, the threat of outsourcing and superannuation — otherwise known as retirement funds.

“Since April, TWU members have been in there negotiating with management for an agreement that recognizes that it’s the blood, sweat and tears of the workers that make Toll the Aussie success story it is. It’s always been our intention to reach an agreement with the company that our members can vote on, but after more than 100 hours of negotiations we still remain some distance apart,” said TWU national secretary, Tony Sheldon. “Negotiations continue and I hope that we can avoid industrial action. But with management refusing to listen to what’s important to their workers, TWU members are more determined than ever to stand up for their rights."

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