Thousands of workers will vote on industrial action at Australia’s largest transport and logistics operator after the Fair Work Commission this week approved the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) application for a Protected Action Ballot across the Toll Group, said TWU Assistant National Secretary Michael Kaine.
Following overwhelming endorsement from thousands of workers at Toll yards in every State and Territory, the TWU filed for a Protected Action Ballot last week (5 July) after talks with Toll management broke down over a number of critical issues including job security, outsourcing, superannuation and safety.
Michael Kaine continued, “Our member-led negotiation team have taken time away from their jobs and their families to negotiate on behalf of their colleagues for a fair agreement for the work they do.
“The company has failed to guarantee our members job security and their ability to safely provide for their families.”
TWU negotiation team member Rick Millich from Melbourne said: “The guys at Toll are behind this 200%. Management is leaving us with no option – it’s effectively pushing us for a permission slip to contract out our jobs to unsafe, substandard operations. We’re ready to fight to secure Toll jobs and for our families.”
Thousands of Toll Group workers at over 400 yards across Australia will be balloted by the Australian Electoral Commission on all forms of industrial action including work stoppages of up to 72 hours.
The Toll Group is continuing to move from strength to strength, booking a net profit of $195 million in the 6 months to December 2012, up 21% from the previous year. The Toll share price has skyrocketed 38% in the past financial year.
Michael Kaine continued, “Toll workers are what keep this company moving from strength to strength and they deserve an agreement that not only recognises this but provides a secure future for their jobs and all Toll workers.
“It has always been our intention to reach an agreement with Toll that our members can vote on. Negotiations with the company are continuing this week, but our member-led negotiation team has to have a fair and secure agreement to take back to their yards.