Grain handlers to vote on pay deal

Grain handlers working at grain receival sites across NSW will vote on whether to accept a proposed pay deal with their employer GrainCorp, said the Australian Workers’ Union which represents the workers.

The deal comes after grain handlers rolled out protected industrial action authorised by the Fair Work Commission after negotiations broke down with GrainCorp last month.

Industrial action occurred at Boggabri, Narrabri, Moree, and at many other sites. The workers have seen their pay go backwards in real terms over the last three years, the AWU has said.

In 2021, 2022 and 2023 grain handlers received an annual increase of only 2 per cent a year, despite inflation rising at a rate of 2.86 per cent, 6.59 per cent and 4.10 per cent respectively, meaning real wages have declined by 7.5 per cent. The three year deal on the table offers annual increases of 6 per cent, 6 per cent and 2 per cent plus a $1250 sign on bonus and back pay.

Members are currently reading the proposed agreement and will begin voting on November 18 6am with voting concluding on November 19.