DELAYS in EBA negotiations with the CBH Kwinana Grain Terminal have prompted the Maritime Union of Australia – WA branch, to vote in favour of taking protected action.
A Facebook post on 17 July said members at the terminal had been voting in a ballot for the past two weeks.
“The membership has had no real choice as negotiations have been ongoing for months with only an offer of 6% over three years being put forward and only on the condition of a roster change including more night shifts,” the post said.
With the Protected Action Ballot Order ballot at KGT closing last Tuesday, the results showed a 93% turnout with members voting yes to 97% of all types of protected action listed in the ballot.
The post said a majority of items came in at 99% yes vote.
“This is an amazing result and sends a strong message to CBH that if they continue to delay or play games with the workers at KGT, then the members are prepared to do what is necessary to get them moving towards a proper EBA outcome.
“The bargaining committee is scheduled to continue negotiations next week and hopefully CBH read the writing on the wall and come to the table ready to properly bargain. Because if not, discussions will have to move towards showing CBH that these votes aren't just for show.”