SA’s RAA emergency workers go on strike but breakdown service drives on
The RAA’s emergency workers took strike action on Thursday— but the motoring body says roadside assistance was unaffected.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The RAA says roadside assistance services were unaffected by a strike involving its emergency workers on Thursday.
The strike, which ended at 5pm, was co-ordinated by the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, over a pay dispute which has been ongoing since 2018.
An RAA spokesman said while normal RAA staff rostering had been affected, non-union staff worked overtime and more than usual outsourced providers were called in.
Response times were not affected and motorists in need were urged to call 13 11 11 for roadside assistance.
The spokesman said: “RAA’s employees covered by the Automotive and Technical Grades Enterprise Agreement, who are members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), voted to take protected industrial action today (Thursday)’’.
“RAA is disappointed with this decision but we remain committed to reach a fair and sustainable agreement for all parties.
“We do not anticipate that the planned industrial action will have any impact on RAA’s services.”
There were 56 RAA roadside assist staff rostered on Thursday and 28 off, making a shortfall of around 16 positions when extra overtime work was taken into account.
These positions were filled with contractors.
The union, which is understood to be seeking a 3 per cent pay rise for workers, was called for comment.