TRANSPORT Workers’ Union members at SCT Logistics’ Forrestfield WA facility have begun a 24-hour period of protected industrial action, escalating an ongoing enterprise bargaining dispute centred on wages, superannuation and job security.
The strike follows what the union says were eight unsuccessful bargaining meetings and comes amid a broader national campaign by the TWU to lift pay and conditions across Australia's transport and logistics sector.
Workers gathered outside SCT's Forrestfield site early this morning (29 October), with TWU officials including national secretary Michael Kaine and WA assistant state secretary Shane O'Brien expected to attend.
The union alleges workers have experienced adverse treatment during negotiations and claims members have been disadvantaged because of their union involvement and participation in legally protected industrial action.
According to the TWU, key claims in the bargaining round include wage increases to bring SCT employees closer to industry standards, a pathway to 15% superannuation, improved job-security provisions and paid protections for employees affected by operational disruptions outside their control.
The union is also seeking an "unforeseen circumstances" provision that would provide income protection when rail service interruptions prevent workers from performing their duties.
TWU WA state secretary Tim Dawson said workers should not carry the financial consequences of operational disruptions beyond their control.
“These workers help SCT make millions of dollars every year, yet when circumstances outside their control disrupt operations, they are left carrying the financial burden,” Mr Dawson said.
“A small safety net to protect workers from losing their income through unforeseen circumstances is not an unreasonable ask. It is basic job security.”
Mr Dawson described the Forrestfield workforce as one of the union's strongest organised sites and said members were prepared to continue campaigning for improved employment conditions.
The action follows earlier stoppages at SCT as negotiations remained unresolved. The TWU has previously stated that claims under discussion include stronger pay outcomes, improved superannuation and enhanced job-security protections.
The dispute forms part of a wider national bargaining push involving transport workers at a number of freight and logistics operators. The TWU has argued workers are seeking pay outcomes that align more closely with industry standards as well as protections relating to future workplace changes and employment security.
SCT Logistics had not publicly responded to the union's claims at the time of writing, and no company statement regarding the Forrestfield industrial action could be located on the company's public news channels.
DCN has sought comment from SCT Logistics.