Grain handlers at Graincorp sites could walk off job if industrial action voted for

Grain handlers at Graincorp sites across NSW could refuse to load or unload grain, just as harvest is about to get underway.

Workers may refuse to load and unload grain at GrainCorp sites across NSW if hundreds of workers decide to walk off the job.

With grain harvest soon to be underway in many areas, according to the Australian Workers’ Union 200 grain handlers in NSW may decide to refuse to load or unload grain trucks and trains after an application was made earlier this week to the Fair Work Commission to hold a protected action ballot.

A protected action ballot is a secret ballot that gives employees the chance to vote on whether or not they want to initiate protected industrial action during bargaining for an enterprise agreements

If the ballot is approved, NSW union members will vote on whether to take industrial action over claims their wages have fallen below the inflation rate.

In 2021, 2022 and 2023 grain handlers received an annual increase of 2 per cent a year. The Australian Workers’ Union said this is despite inflation rising at a rate of 2.86 per cent, 6.59 per cent and 4.10 per cent respectively, meaning wages have declined 7.5 per cent.

In a statement to The Weekly Times a GrainCorp spokeswoman said it was “disappointed” the union has indicated it intends to take industrial action ahead of “both this conciliation and a formal vote by its members”.

However, the spokeswoman said they respected the rights of workers to take industrial action.

The potential industrial action comes as northern NSW is preparing for a bumper harvest.

A GrainCorp site.

Australian Workers’ Union NSW secretary Tony Callinan said “GrainCorp aren’t negotiating in good faith and their grain handlers have had a gutful”.

“In 2022 we wrote to them saying due to inflation going through the roof they should pay grain handling staff more, and they said if their workers want more money they can work overtime, then they took the overtime away.

“This year has been another good year and with the grain harvest about to commence in the coming weeks AWU members will be taking industrial action during this bumper harvest period.”

The GrainCorp spokeswoman said it continues to “negotiate in good faith with our employees and the Australian Workers Union and has held 10 meetings with them in the last six months”.

“Our goal is to continue these discussions constructively, ensuring a positive outcome for our employees while maintaining a strong and reliable service for growers on site.”

Mr Callinan said they were also calling for the same pay as workers in Queensland.

Meanwhile, GrainCorp delivered record results in 2023, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation of $565 million.

But in May they announced a drop in earnings for its half-year results, with EBITDA at $164 million – down 57 per cent from the half-year 2023 result of $383m.

GrainCorp workers could walk off the job.