Thousands of workers will vote on industrial action at Australia's largest transport and logistics operator after the Fair Work Commission today approved the Transport Workers' Union (TWU) application for a Protected Action Ballot across the Toll Group.
"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," said TWU assistant national secretary Michael Kaine.
"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.
Toll Group spokesman Christopher Whitefield expressed the company's frustration at the union's actions in the midst of ongoing negotiations.
"We are extremely disappointed the union has taken this action, especially considering negotiations between Toll and the union are continuing. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for three days this week.
"Implementing union-imposed conditions that make Toll uncompetitive in the current economic environment would be the biggest threat to job security. Thankfully, the vast majority of our staff are fully aware of the challenges the company faces in the current environment, and want a sensible agreement finalised as soon as possible."
Mr Whitefield said that despite the union's action the company will continue to work through the enterprise bargaining negotiation process, in accordance with Good Faith Bargaining Principles agreed with the TWU in April.
