Long-distance truckies at national fleet to park up over pay claims

Long-distance truckies at GKR Transport will park up their rigs for a week after the company refused to come to the table on key pay claims, said the Transport Workers Union (TWU).

The 40 union members nationwide will walk off the job from midnight Monday, November 24, through to Sunday, November 30.

The TWU said the strike comes following a resounding 91 per cent vote in favour of taking protected industrial action.

With Christmas fast approaching, the union said a week of stoppages is expected to cause significant delays, particularly in industries already operating at full capacity. The TWU said its members make up the vast majority of the GKR driver roster.

Many GKR drivers also work two-up, meaning trucks run almost continuously.

“These truck drivers are crossing borders every day to keep Australia’s supply chains moving,” said TWU WA State Secretary Tim Dawson.

“GKR clearly doesn’t value the essential work these truck drivers do.

Instead of negotiating fairly, the company is choosing to dig in its heels.”

The union said the strike could be avoided immediately if GKR management agreed to a modest and reasonable package of claims, including:

• An additional 3 per cent wage rise across the three-year agreement;

• Annual leave paid on the average of the previous six weeks’ earnings plus loading, reflecting the reality of long-distance work;

• A retention bonus written into the EA to keep skilled drivers in the industry;

• Strong union delegate rights embedded in the agreement.

Unless GKR agrees to the demands, the union said the drivers will also hold picket lines at its Truganina, Welshpool, Regency Park, Redbank and Villawood depots from 5am on Monday, November 24.

Big Rigs has contacted GKR for comment.