WHILE THE IRONS HOT

Courier’s at Westerns took the opportunity to get organised & threatened to strike. And ended up with a good result when the company remembered how valuable their labour was.

Pathology couriers at Western Diagnostic Pathology were THIS close to taking strike action late October before the company came to the party on their claims at the death knock.

Funny how the threat of protected industrial action got the company to move when they had been dragging their feet for over 12 months when it came to these couriers claims.

It just shows the real strength of workers is in their labour and the power of removing their labour. These couriers play a vital role in the transportation of blood, tests and medicine, their efforts aid significantly in the State’s defense against Covid-19, and it is time the company appreciated their value.

In the 2020/2021 financial year WDP parent company Healius recorded a revenue of over $1.8 billion, whereas couriers’ rates of pay continually fell behind the award minimum standards.

Workers were getting paid a courier pay rate and we’re not recognised in their rate of pay as medical couriers.

And even though WDP made record profits during a global pandemic, the company was still trying to take more money away from the workers. Workers had no

Report from lead organiser JASON

WALTERS

option but to threaten to remove their labour to remind the company where it’s profits come from.

Fortunately, the threat worked. Workers won wage increases of 6%, 3.5% and 2.5% and a sign on bonus of $250 + $250 gift card.

A good result all around.

PLUS now that workers have stood up to management and gained their respect it will make members challenge of resolving issues and bargaining into the future that little bit more easier.

Because that’s the power what being union does! Congratulations to all.