Grain handlers working at grain receival sites across NSW will vote on whether to accept a proposed pay deal with their employer GrainCorp, said the Australian Workers’ Union which represents the workers.
The deal comes after grain handlers rolled out protected industrial action authorised by the Fair Work Commission after negotiations broke down with GrainCorp last month. Industrial action occurred at Boggabri, Narrabri, Moree, Parkes, Caragabal, and at many other sites.
The workers have seen their pay go backwards in real terms over the last three years. In 2021, 2022 and 2023 grain handlers received an annual increase of only 2% a year, despite inflation rising at a rate of 2.86%, 6.59% and 4.10% respectively, meaning real wages have declined by 7.5%.
The three year deal on the table offers annual increases of 6%, 6% and 2% plus a $1250 sign on bonus and back pay.
Members are currently reading the proposed agreement and will begin voting on the 18th at 6am with voting concluding on the 19th at 6am.
“Last Friday I met with AWU delegates and they endorsed a new agreement to go to a vote, now it’s up to members to vote it up or reject it,” said Australian Workers’ Union NSW Secretary Tony Callinan.
“This is a huge win for our members at GrainCorp considering the low wage increases they’ve suffered through. It’s a pity our members had to resort to industrial action as it caused anxiety for farmers during the busy winter harvest season. We’re happy they came back to the table and we have a deal everyone can live with.”