Grain handlers stopped for two hours this afternoon at grain sites across the Western Plains, New England North West, Riverina and Central West as part of escalating industrial action.
Industrial action occurred at Boggabri, Narrabri, Moree, Parkes, Caragabal, amongst many other sites, said the Australian Workers' Union which represents the workers.
The protected industrial action has been authorised by the Fair Work Commission after negotiations broke down with GrainCorp last month.
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%.
In negotiations over the three year deal GrainCorp offered annual increases of 6%, 5%, and 3% plus a $1000 sign on bonus and their grain handlers want 6%, 5%, and 4% plus a $1000 sign on bonus - a difference of 1%.
On Monday (5th Nov) grain handlers, in an attempt to reach a deal, offered to forgo the $1000 sign on bonus, to secure the extra 1% in year three of the agreement and GrainCorp refused.
"Grain handlers usually wouldn't stop for anything during harvest as they're as anxious as farmers to get the crops off quickly but they did take time out to watch the Melbourne Cup today given GrainCorp seems in no hurry to strike a deal with them," said Australian Workers' Union NSW Secretary Tony Callinan.
"Just remember this is happening because GrainCorp refuses to come at a 1% wage increase in year 3 of the new agreement, 1% equates to approximately 30 cents per hour to grain handlers that won't kick in for two years.
"GrainCorp is certainly odds on favourite to win most self-destructive employer of the year, they win that race by a country mile," said Mr Callinan.
