GrainCorp's shameful attempt to fob workers off with a pathetic 3% pay offer during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis has triggered a 72-hour stoppage by MUA and ETU members at the Port of Newcastle.
On the eve of the protected industrial action, Maritime Union of Australia Newcastle Branch Secretary Glen Williams said GrainCorp bosses have shown nothing but contempt for the workforce that built their bumper profits.
"Our members have carried this company on their backs all year. Every member has been working dozens of hours of overtime or weekend work every month to move massive volumes of grain while GrainCorp lines its pockets," Williams said.
"This year the company is on track to export 1.2 million tonnes of grain, with forecasts for next year to smash records again and rank among the top three years in the company's 60-year history. Yet the workers who make it happen are being told to cop stagnant wages and be grateful."
The escalating dispute comes off the back of managers at the terminal fumbling a scab workforce scheme that landed them in the news three years ago.
"We caught them red handed trying to train up a scab workforce last time, but they haven't learned their lesson in the time since. They continue to provoke and insult their employees," Williams said.
The MUA and ETU joined together to blast GrainCorp management for hiding from negotiations, refusing to return the Unions' calls on the eve of the strike.
"Bosses are running scared. Instead of fronting up and bargaining in good faith, they're ducking our calls and provoking the workforce to withdraw its labour," ETU organiser Brad McDougall said.
The two unions said workers' lives have been pushed to breaking point, with endless overtime destroying work-life balance while GrainCorp executives reward themselves with pay rises.
"Last year managers pocketed 4.5% pay increases, but the workforce that sweats on the job every day is told they're worth less. That's corporate greed, pure and simple," Williams said.
"This stoppage is about respect, fairness, and making sure GrainCorp can't keep exploiting workers while they rake in record profits. The company must stop stonewalling and start sharing the wealth with the people who actually make it."
The 72-hour stoppage begins this week. Unless management comes to the table with a serious offer, workers stand ready to escalate.
