Lift workers make headway with wage claim

Issue 

Lift workers make headway with wage claim

By Sue Brooke

MELBOURNE — Workers in the lift industry have joined the campaign by construction workers against the federal government's tax on fares and travel.

The current phase of the campaign is to force employers to pay the wage loss caused by the new tax. Workers who install and maintain lifts, covered by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, began bans and limitations in September to force employers to pay up.

The campaign resulted in stand-downs in Sydney. Victorian lift industry workers responded with a 24-hour strike on October 4, followed by an escalation of the bans and limitations.

After three months of refusing to negotiate, one of the three largest employers, Schindler, and three small companies made a deal with the union for a $14.80 a day travel allowance, which increases to $17.45 on January 1. The settlement covers 30% of the industry.

The other two major employers began standing down workers on October 8. Workers responded by going on indefinite strike. Flying pickets have been held at depots, big hotels and shopping centres to prevent scab supervisors from fixing lifts.

On October 9, construction workers at the Crown Casino site stopped work because if someone got stranded in a site lift, no-one could get them out.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.