Freightliner protected industrial action ballot approved

The Fair Work Commission has approved the Loco Division’s application to hold a protected industrial action ballot of Freightliner members, following the company’s refusal to negotiate a fair deal for workers.

Negotiations over a new enterprise agreement at Freightliner stalled a number of months ago, with management point blank refusing to discuss its offer.

The Fair Work Commission accepted the Loco Division’s application on Friday, and the union is now in the process of organising for the vote to take place.

Loco Division Secretary Bob Hayden said it’s bitterly disappointing that it’s got to this point.

“No one wants to go down the path of industrial action, but the company isn’t leaving us with any other option at this stage.

“Freightliner workers deserve an agreement that provides fair wages and conditions, and at the moment the company isn’t willing to sit down and come to an agreement that provides that.

All Freightliner workers should ensure their RTBU membership is valid and that their details are up-to-date with the union.

See the Fair Work Commission documents here.