Published: 23 Oct 2018
Mobile crane workers in Newcastle, Singleton, and Wollongong who have not had a pay increase in more than five years, have launched an indefinite strike after the breakdown in talks with their employers.
More than 100 workers at Boom Logistics and WGC cranes have taken legally protected strike action because of the companies’ failure to offer a fair pay deal despite months of negotiations.
CFMEU NSW Secretary Darren Greenfield said the companies preferred to use threats of legal action and had “lawyered up” rather than act in good faith.”
“Our members are just asking for a fair pay increase at a time when wage growth is at record lows and company profits at record highs,” Mr Greenfield said.
“Instead of negotiating in good faith with our members, the companies involved in this dispute just want to rip further conditions and rights away from their workers.”
WGC cranes is owned by Warren Buffet – one of the richest men in the world, While the bosses at Boom Logistics have seen payrises of up to 25% in the last few years.