Michaela Meade
Up to 3000 FedEx workers nationwide are striking today after the company refused to guarantee that secure transport jobs would not be outsourced, according to the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
The union said the action comes after a 97 per cent yes vote from workers at the company, including at its Tullamarine site.
TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said FedEx workers felt they had no choice but to strike.
“Strikes are always a last resort, but FedEx workers have no choice when outsourcing is running rampant in the industry, and the company is refusing to guarantee secure jobs won’t be shipped out next,” Mr Kaine said.
“FedEx made enormous profits last year off the back of workers who sweated it out in depots and trucks to keep parcels moving.”
In a statement sent to Star Weekly, FedEx Express said it was continuing to negotiate with TWU, even amid the 24-hour strike.
“We are disappointed that the TWU has chosen to take this step whilst we continue to negotiate with them to finalise an enterprise agreement,” the statement said.
“FedEx is committed to promoting job security for our employees, and we have agreed in our negotiations to reduce the use of outside hire where we are able.
“However, in the course of doing our business, we do face situations such as annual leave and peak periods where it is necessary to engage outside hire to meet our delivery commitments and provide industry leading service to customers.
“The TWU are demanding that we increase the rates that we pay to outside hire companies.
“We would prefer to invest this money in our business and our employees, which is the best way we can promote job security and employment for our employees for a sustainable long-term future.
“We firmly believe that the best way to promote job security for our employees is through growing our business.”
