Werribee South farmers are being caught up in an ongoing industrial dispute at a Truganina distribution centre.
As protests outside the Polar Fresh centre continue into their third day, farmers say the action is costing them thousands of dollars.
John Said, chief executive of Werribee South-based vegetable suppliers Fresh Select, encouraged the National Union of Workers to be “sensible” and keep in mind the effect the dispute is having on “innocent bystanders”.
“This is affecting a lot of our growers here in Werribee South, and it’s just added stress that we don’t need,” he said.
“All we want to do is grow vegetables and know consumers are enjoying the vegetables, but we can’t get our produce in to centres. If we don’t get our perishable produce in, we don’t get paid.”
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has also weighed in, calling on the state government to intervene in what they have described as “a nasty industrial struggle”.
VFF president David Jochinke said: “Our farmers are stuck in the middle of this ugly farce, they can’t get their produce into distribution centres, their trucks are being stopped at the gates, and it’s costing them thousands of dollars in extra transport costs.”
Workers call for pay rise and secure employment
Up to 650 workers at Polar Fresh walked off the job on Wednesday after industrial negotiations broke down.
Workers are calling for a $3 an hour pay rise and want casual workers to be given secure employment.
National Union of Workers spokeswoman Emma Kerin workers want to be paid at the industry standard of $30 an hour.
Workers at the Truganina centre are presently receiving $26.91 an hour.
“There are a lot of casual workers directly employed through a labour hire agency and don’t get guaranteed shifts, and don’t earn enough to survive,” she said.
Ms Kerin said union delegates were in negotiations with the company.
A Supreme Court junction was issued on Wednesday to stop workers picketing outside the centre.
They’ve since been ‘protesting peacefully” outside.
Polar Fresh employee and Werribee resident Russell Turban said he was protesting for job security and the additional $3 per hour.
“It’s for our brothers and sisters and getting them job security,” he said.
“We also work hard, some of us six days a week just to make ends meet, we deserve a pay rise.”
Maria Strickland, of Altona Meadows, said she had worked at the centre for five years alongside her husband and son-in-law.
“I know we deserve what we’re asking for,” she said.
“At the beginning we were scared and confused, but now we are stronger. We have our pride and dignity.”
The Truganina centre stores chilled perishables for Coles stores across the state.
Coles deliveries back on track
Coles spokesman Blair Speedy said it was unfortunate that deliveries to Victorian stores had been disrupted due to the industrial action.
“Deliveries are now flowing through to stores and we are working hard to ensure all products are on the shelf as soon as possible,” he said.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has called on the state government to protect farmers facing losses in the wake of the dispute
