Workers at Quantem Bulk Liquids’ Corio terminal to strike for fairer pay

Geelong workers at a fuel storage terminal will walk off the job on Friday after the company proposed to slash wages by $25,000 and super contributions by $6000.

Workers from Quantem Bulk Liquids will take strike action on Friday.

Geelong fuel workers will walk off the job on Friday to demand fairer pay after their company proposed to slash wages by $25,000.

Workers from Quantem Bulk Liquids’ Corio terminal, which imports and distributes fuels, will stop work for an hour after six months of failed enterprise agreement negotiations.

The company has seven terminals across Australia, including in Brisbane and Fremantle, but workers are paid differently at each site.

This is the first time the 20 workers at the Geelong terminal are taking strike action.

Bulk Liquids Alliance organiser Shane Reside said the company has proposed to slash wages for new workers by $25,000 and cut their superannuation contributions by $6000.

“(This) is the biggest single attack on workers in the industry in living memory,” he said.

“These workers entered negotiations wanting to keep the existing arrangements and seek modest pay increases.

“This company is paying some (employees) $50,000 a year less than others, despite doing exactly same job.

“All we’re seeking is a situation where workers are being paid the same pay for the same job.”

Mr Reside said workers would not be “bullied” into accepting thousands of dollars worth of wage cuts.

He said workers were critical in Australia’s fuel economy.

“This work is specialised (and) extremely dangerous,” Mr Reside said.

“I have no idea what (Quantem management) are trying to achieve by throwing this grenade into Australia’s fuel supply chain.

“Frankly it’s not only irresponsible, but baffling.”

Quantem Bulk Liquids spokesman said it remains open to negotiating with its employees and the union in good faith.

“Quantem is ensuring sufficient resources are at site so that normal operations are maintained during this period,” he said.

“We do not expect disruption to customers from this action.”

If workers’ demands are not met, they will consider taking more action in the coming months.

This could lead to significant impacts to Australia’s fuel supply, affecting airports and petrol stations.

“We’ve made it clear that we won’t accept this crazy situation of being paid dramatically different rates,” Mr Reside said.

“If it’s a fight that they’re looking for, we’re ready.”

Originally published as Workers at Quantem Bulk Liquids’ Corio terminal to strike for fairer pay