AWU members in NSW are in dispute over an enterprise bargaining agreement.
The AWU said grain handlers at Graincorp sites across NSW would vote on whether to take industrial action after negotiations broke down with the company.
The 200 workers may decide to refuse to load or unload grain trucks and trains after an application was made to the Fair Work Commission to hold a ‘protected action ballot’ application on Tuesday, October 15.
For those other employees in NSW, GrainCorp has proposed a wages offer that is significantly higher than the previous agreement, as well as the current inflation rate.
A GrainCorp spokesperson said GrainCorp continued to negotiate in good faith with employees and the AWU and has held 10 meetings with them in the past six months.
“We note that there is a compulsory conciliation scheduled at the Fair Work Commission,” the spokesperson said.
“It is disappointing that the union has indicated that it intends to take industrial action ahead of both this conciliation and a formal vote by its members.
“We respect the rights of our workers to take protected industrial action and remain committed to working collaboratively through this process.
“Our goal is to continue these discussions constructively, ensuring a positive outcome for our employees, while maintaining a strong and reliable service for growers on site.”
Any industrial action is not expected to include the sites of Deniliquin and Oaklands, which are part of the Victorian managed network.
The AWU said workers, who move and store wheat, canola, barley and other grains, had seen their pay go backwards in real terms over the past three years.
The AWU has pointed to profits being achieved by Graincorp, and has criticised the pay being earned by company executives.
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