Transport workers to strike for “fairer future”

TRANSPORT workers across Australia are expected to strike this Thursday, as part of what their union says is “a coordinated push for a safer, fairer future in Australia’s deadliest industry”.

Transport workers at companies including FedEx, Border Express, K&S, SCT, PFD, Sadliers, Goldstar and Qube are to start strike action between midnight and 4am on Thursday for 24 hours, with K&S ChemTrans workers, who cart dangerous goods, taking 48 hours of strike action.

Workers are calling for pay that brings them in line with industry standards, job security, and a say in the future of their industries when it comes to automation and AI.

The Transport Workers Union says it has come to agreement at major transport companies like Team Global Express, Toll, Linfox and BevChain, providing job security and future of work protections.

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said transport workers needed to make a stand for safer and more secure work.

“The workers who move critical supplies around our country are seeing their industry become more dangerous because of the greed of huge transport clients like supermarkets and retailers looking for the cheapest option,” Mr Kaine said.

“They are taking strike action because they have been left with no other choice.

“It’s time for these companies, and the huge clients transporting their goods, to stop ripping good jobs apart and come to the table on an industry that is fair for workers and the whole Australian community.”