WesTrac workers to strike over work hours
More than 150 WesTrac workers in NSW are set to walk off the job today at 2pm, citing the company’s 50-hour-week policy.
The strike today includes workers walking off during the last two hours of their shift, covering both day and night crews, with a protest gathering on the corner of Tomago Road and WesTrac Drive.
These workers work 10 hours a day, five shifts a week, starting at 6am or 4pm.
The workforce finds shift penalties for working weekends substantially less favourable than the award, according to the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU). The workforce is also negotiating a new three-year enterprise agreement with WesTrac.
The union says a proposed deal — rejected by 95% of voting workers — includes annual increases of 3.2%, 3.1% and 3%, and strips essential employment conditions such as overtime protections and proper notice for shift changes.
AWU NSW vice president Cameron Wright comments on the deal.
“Our members at WesTrac work 50-hour weeks, that’s outrageous,” he said
“That’s not standard practice in our industry, that’s exploitation.
“Our members tell me they barely see their kids because of the grueling hours.
“We’re not asking for the world. We’re asking for what’s fair: industry standard pay, proper conditions and respect.”
The workers are calling on WesTrac to return to the bargaining table with a genuine offer that reflects their value and respects their rights.