Work on Newcastle's Light Rail project will be disrupted as hundreds of workers go on strike for three days from today.
Around 300 Downer workers in the Hunter are taking part in the industrial action as they push for a 3 per cent pay rise.
Union representatives say the company has refused to budge on negotiations for a new enterprise agreement and workers won't accept cuts to conditions and a minimal pay rise despite the company reporting a surge in profits.
Electrical Trades Union Secretary Dave McKinley said, "It comes on the back of the last enterprise agreement where there was a drop in wages and conditions.
"Unfortunately, the company is making record profits now and they want to take further money off the employees.
"They're asking for a 3% wage increase and a reinstatement of the conditions that were taken off them at the last EBA," Dave McKinley said.
The strike could also impact the Eraring and Bayswater Power Stations, Mount Thorley Coal Mine and the Williamtown RAAF Base.
In a statement, the company says:
"Downer remains available and willing to have further discussions with employees and Unions to negotiate a new EBA. We have offered a sustainable and fair 2.25% pay increase, which is above CPI and above current market pay rates, and also includes no changes to existing conditions.
"Downer is working with its customer to ensure that the current strike action has minimal impact on transport services."
A mass meeting is being held at Hexham this morning before workers reassemble in Newcastle and march to the Light Rail site in Hunter Street.
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| Image Source: Ian Kirkwood Twitter |
