More transport workers are threatening strike action after talks broke down with their employers StarTrack and FedEx, in what the Transport Workers’ Union says has “the potential to cause chaos” to parcel deliveries.
Another 6000 workers will push for industrial action on Friday claiming their job security has been undermined, despite bumper profits at wealthy retailers like Amazon and Apple whose parcels they transport.
Some 7000 Toll workers have already threatened industrial action after the Fair Work Commission accepted a protected action ballot last month. That vote will take place on August 10.
“This strike, if it goes ahead at the three biggest parcel delivery companies, has the potential to cause chaos,” TWU Assistant Secretary Nick McIntosh told AAP.
If the ballots are successful and agreements have still not been met with the companies, workers could begin industrial action in the coming months.
The TWU said a sticking point across all three companies has been their refusal to pay outside hire workers the same rates as direct employees for doing the same job.
The union said workers are furious FedEx in June reported a net income of more than $US5 billion ($A6.8 billion), but refuses to give workers a pay increase for the last two years.
The union also criticised StarTrack, which services Australia Post, for denying backpay when it recorded a 15.5 per cent increase in revenue and profits of $166 million in the six months to December 2020.
Mr McIntosh said if good jobs and conditions are slashed at major transport operators, the death toll from truck crashes will increase exponentially.
“Workers have sacrificed their time, energy and the safety of their families battling COVID restrictions to get high volumes of parcels to our front doors,” he said.
“Now they’re being asked to sacrifice the safety of their future pay and conditions despite earning record profits for their companies’ wealthy clients like Amazon and Apple.”
The union said it is also in bargaining negotiations with workers at LinFox and BevChain.
A TWU survey released on Thursday revealed that two thirds of truck drivers are unvaccinated, with 90 per cent not provided paid leave provisions to get their jabs.
More than half of survey respondents said they’d had difficulty getting rest, a hot meal and a shower at truck stops during COVID.
About one third reported being told to self-isolate in their truck, while almost half said they’ve had to spend hours queuing for COVID tests.
FedEx and StarTrack have been approached for comment.Â
AAP
