Atlas strike as pay negotiations break down

 

BY JULIA WADE

Following on the heels of the recent nurse’s strike, the early morning hours in the Brynderwyn hills became the scene for another group of workers who have had enough with low pay and work conditions. 

On August 2, amid the supportive honks and toots of passing motorists, around 20 quarry workers and concrete truck drivers from Atlas Quarries Ltd gathered outside the company’s gates on State Highway 1, starting a two day strike with a 5am start. 

Workers had been in pay negotiations with Atlas for 10 months but talks broke down on July 24 when the company refused to move from their flat rate offer.

Atlas wages for concrete truck drivers and quarry workers are currently below the market rate with drivers in other industries reportedly being paid three dollars an hour more, says FIRST (Finance, Insurance, Retail, Stores, Transport) Union’s Bryce Hamilton, who attended the protest. 
“Not only does Atlas not want to pay a fair living wage, they want the option of reducing it to less than $20 per hour… this from an insanely wealthy industrialist.”

One long-time Atlas worker told Hamilton he recently worked alongside a younger man from a different company who was getting paid at least three dollars more even though he was a unqualified.

“This from a man who is qualified with many years experience as a truck driver… these workers are family men who just want a fair wage to support themselves and their families.” 

Hours of work for Atlas employees are also an issue, with workers guaranteed around 44 hours per week but are required to be available for more, sometimes up to 88 hours. 

“Those working hours do not allow workers much of a life,” Hamilton says. 

FIRST Union Transport, Logistics and Manufacturing Division Secretary, Jared Abbott says the company is trying to devalue its workers at the risk of their wellbeing and company safety.

“Lowering rates can have ramifications for other businesses who are trying to keep fair pay rates for their workers,” he says. “When we see companies trying to tighten up bottom lines through holding wages down, it never ends well.”

Atlas Quarries Ltd were unable to be contacted by the Focus in time for comment before publication.

Calling out for better pay and conditions, Atlas employees strike out in the early morning. 



“Not only does Atlas not want to pay a fair living wage, they want the option of reducing it to less than $20 per hour…”
- Bryce Hamilton, FIRST Union