The industrial dispute between six Northland tanker drivers and Toll New Zealand has caught the attention of global transport unions, who have called for the parties to get back to negotiations.
The tanker drivers have been taking industrial action since May 1 over low wages and health and safety concerns.
The workers, represented by International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) affiliate FIRST Union, say they are the lowest paid tanker drivers for this type of work in their area.
The drivers have been bargaining with Toll since January, but they say the company has been unwilling to bring the workers anywhere near industry standard rates, which are in some cases $10 an hour more.
The ITF has come in behind these workers and is mobilising support among its 4.5 million transport worker members worldwide.
“It’s clear that these companies are hostile to workers coming together to get a decent wage, and hostile to industrial legislation that protects their right to organise,” says ITF president Paddy Crumlin.
“Toll needs to move fast and get back around the bargaining table for a fair wage. But BP needs to show some leadership also and take responsibility for what happens in its supply chain.
“There is no excuse for Toll’s low wage rates, and BP needs to ensure workers delivering petrol to its service stations are paid a decent wage that recognises their skill.”
ITF affiliate unions say they are are watching this dispute closely.
Representatives from FIRST Union will meet with Toll in Australia next week.
“Internationally Toll Group management have put forward a ‘One Toll’ agenda to ensure all Toll workers, no matter where in the world, have the same standards, practices and workplace values,” says Australian transport workers union (TWU) national secretary Tony Sheldon.
“It’s disappointing to see Toll NZ turning its back on this commitment and shirking responsibility to provide safe and fair conditions for drivers.
Toll NZ management must look towards the success Toll and the TWU have had here in Australia by working in consultation with one another to establish a safe, fair and mutually beneficial agreement.”
