WA business Scrumpy Soap has donated 4000 medical masks for essential transport workers in Victoria, just as masks are about to become compulsory wearing for those in metropolitan Melbourne.
The WA Branch of the Transport Workers’ Union was recently contacted by local MP Dr Tony Buti after a local soap manufacturer ‘Scrumpy Soap Co’ reached out to him with surplus medical masks that the company wished to donate to essential transport workers in Victoria.
“This donation of masks will ensure the essential work of transport workers which is vital in maintaining some normality of everyday life, is continued to be carried out without a fine,” said TWU WA state secretary Tim Dawson.
“Transport workers are keeping people moving to keep the economy moving and should be afforded safe workplaces and proper protections like PPE to carry out their work.”
The WA Branch contacted John Berger, TWU Victorian branch secretary, who organised for the masks to go to essential transport workers.
“Transport workers are an essential service for frontline personnel to get to work and a frontline service to maintain people staying indoors and we are grateful for this donation that does not disenfranchise medical personnel,” Mr Berger said.
The TWU in WA coordinated an operation to ensure masks are reaching essential workers, with Toll IPEC offering to transport the masks across Australia.
“[I am] delighted that the WA Branch of the TWU, with the support of Toll IPEC, are able to ensure the generosity of Scrumpy Soap Co in supplying surplus medical masks can reach transport workers in Victoria,” Dr Buti said.
“This is a great example of the union movement working with companies for the great good of our community in times of crises. Well done to all involved.”
