Gap filling measures will be put in place as the RAA battles strike action
The RAA will be battling to get broken down motorists back on the road this week when employees down tools for a stop work meeting.
SA News
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RAA patrol workers will down tools on Tuesday over stalled pay rise negotiations.
The roadside assistance employees are members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) and will meet to vote on further industrial action between 7am and 11:15am.
Workers are calling for management to come to the table and resume negotiations in the spirit of fairness.
AMWU delegate and 40-year veteran of the RAA Barry De Pledge, said the workers were seeking “a fair go”.
“Like other patrol workers, I believe in what the RAA stands for,’’ he said.
“We are the motorists’ advocates, but current management is taking advantage of that goodwill and loyalty.”
Mr De Pledge said the length of the negotiations had been frustrating for workers.
“Patrol workers are out there helping South Australian motorists 365 days a year. We work with integrity, we’re there when motorists need us, and RAA members trust us,’’ he said.
“RAA’s profit levels are up but they are not recognising that comes in large part because of the hard work and dedication of workers, like the patrol group.
“We’re out there every day, flying the flag, and serving the members who are at the heart of this organisation.
“We’ve been negotiating a new enterprise agreement for almost a year now but there’s nothing on the table from management at the moment.”
RAA management have rejected a proposal by the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union to reach an agreement earlier this week.
Workers are also unhappy that the RAA announced a record profit, up from $10.7m in 2016/17 to $18.3m in 2018/19, while not accepting their pa rise proposals. But an RAA spokesman said the increased profits would be used to fund the company’s insurance payouts.
The AMWU has been fighting for a 3 per cent annual pay rise for the roadside mechanics since January.
The RAA has offered a three-year deal – with wage increases of 2.75 per cent for the first year, 2.75 per cent for the second and 3 per cent the third – but it was rejected by its Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union members.
The workers are unhappy that the RAA pay offer came with a reduction in working conditions for existing staff and for new workers.
The motoring organisation attends to on average 950 breakdowns every day in SA.
An RAA spokesman said as with stop working meetings held by the union last year, roadside shifts would be continued with contractors and nonstriking workers.
“We do not anticipate the planned action to impact roadside services,’’ he said.
“While RAA is disappointed with this decision, we respect our employees’ right to take this protected action.
“We remain committed to reaching a sustainable and transparent Agreement that is fair for all parties and supports the many services we provide to our members.”
miles.kemp@news.com.au