The Transport Workers’ Union says the decision to take drastic action was made after the company “refused to withdraw its attack on jobs, rights and entitlements at crisis talks today”, warning it would disrupt food and fuel supplies this weekend.
The union said an overwhelming 94 per cent of truckies voted in favour of walking off the job, with the ballot giving about 7000 protection under the Fair Work Act.
The TWU claims Toll aims to drive down labour costs by scrapping overtime entitlements and engaging outside drivers on minimal pay and with fewer rights.
Australia’s truck delivery network is already in chaos due to the impacts of Covid. Picture: Richard GoslingSource:News Corp Australia
National secretary Michael Kaine said the action would follow months of failed talks.
“Toll workers need guarantees that they won’t be sliced and diced Qantas-style and replaced by a cut-price, underemployed workforce,” Mr Kaine said.
“They don’t want to go on strike, especially during a pandemic, but they must because they have everything to lose.”
TWU NSW/Queensland secretary and lead Toll negotiator Richard Olsen said strike action by the union’s members had never - and never would - disrupt medical supplies or vaccines.
NCA NewsWire has attempted to reach Toll for comment.