Following the TWU's threat of further protected strike action made on Monday, Toll spokesperson Christopher Whitefield said the company was hopeful the union would not take industrial action while negotiations were still ongoing.
"[The] ballot result determined union members have voted in support of taking protected industrial action, despite less than half (2,405 of 4,928 eligible votes) of eligible employees voting in favour of [the] action.
"Just because the ballot has endorsed the taking of industrial action does not mean that action is inevitable.
"Negotiations continue this week and thankfully the majority of Toll's employees believe the current offer Toll has on the table is fair and reasonable, and want a sensible agreement finalised as soon as possible," Mr Whitefield said.
Toll has been negotiating the new Enterprise Agreement (EA) with the TWU since April, which will cover roughly 10,000 employees, about half of Toll's Australian workforce.
The TWU is required to provide Toll with three clear business days' notice if it chooses to progress with protected industrial action, which would not necessarily affect all parts of Toll's business.
Toll believes its current offer is more than fair. According to material distributed to workers earlier in August, it includes the following:
1 July wage increase of 3% in 2013 + 4% in 2014 + 4% in 2015 + 4% in 2016 over a four-year agreement. Increase superannuation contributions to 12.25% and maintain at 3% above superannuation guarantee contributions up to a cap of 15%. Access to employee choice of super fund. A new entitlement of up to 3 days leave at base rates to deal with effects of natural disasters. Commitment to audit the performance of contractors so that the highest possible standards of safety and conditions are maintained. Modernise local agreements so that everyone can clearly see and understand what they are entitled to, including internal dispute mechanism that importantly includes a union officer to help avoid unnecessary conflict. New consultative provisions to allow high-level dialogue between Toll and TWU leadership on a regular basis. Convert a minimum 300 casual jobs to permanent in first year. Maintain current coverage of the agreement to all work done under the transport awards.
