The NSW CFMEU stands in solidarity with maritime workers after the MUA caught GrainCorp Limited scoping out a scab workforce for its Port of Newcastle operations.
The MUA says GrainCorp has secretly brought in a contract labour hire company to assess the suitability for a takeover by a scab workforce while purporting to be negotiating in good faith with the union to renew the existing Employment Agreement.
Newcastle MUA branch Secretary, Glen Williams, said the company’s behaviour was “nothing short of disgusting”.
“They posted a record profit during the first half of this year, with a net profit after tax of $246 million, and their first action is to train up scabs and develop a plan to lock out their existing workforce,” Mr Williams said.
Quotes from Darren Greenfield, CFMEU NSW Secretary:
“The NSW CFMEU stands in solidarity with maritime workers and the Newcastle branch of the MUA in their dispute with GrainCorp.”
“Workers at the Port of Newcastle should not face the risk of a scab workforce taking their jobs while they and their union are negotiating with GrainCorp to secure the wages and conditions they deserve.”
“GrainCorp needs to come clean with workers and the community of Newcastle about their plans. The company should return to goodfaith negotiations with the MUA and take the threat of a scab workforce off the table.”
