Long-distance truck drivers employed by a national truck fleet are set to park up their rigs for one week over ongoing industrial disputes.
Drivers employed by GKR Transport Australia-wide will take one-week strike action from midnight on Monday November 24 to Sunday November 30 after unions allege the company refused to come to the table on key claims that would help retain experienced drivers.
The Transport Worker’s Union (TWU) says 91 per cent of workers voted in favour of taking the protected industrial action.
GKR drivers deliver essential machinery parts across the country, servicing the automotive, industrial, heavy haulage, oil and gas, mining and manufacturing sectors. With Christmas fast approaching, the TWU says a week of stoppages is expected to cause significant delays, particularly in industries already operating at full capacity.
“These truck drivers are crossing borders every day to keep Australia’s supply chains moving,” TWU WA state secretary Tim Dawson says.
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“GKR clearly doesn’t value the essential work these truck drivers do. Instead of negotiating fairly, the company is choosing to dig in its heels.”
Drivers say the strike could be avoided immediately if GKR agreed to a modest and reasonable package of claims.
This package includes an additional three per cent wage rise across the three-year agreement, annual leave paid on the average of the previous six weeks’ earnings plus loading, a retention bonus written into the EA to keep skilled drivers in the industry and strong union delegate rights embedded in the agreement.
Many GKR drivers work 2UP, meaning trucks run almost continuously. With operations stretched across states and territories, the TWU says even a short stoppage has major consequences.
“This close to Christmas, GKR’s refusal to negotiate doesn’t just impact drivers — it risks slowing down industry nationwide,” Dawson says.
“This company is choosing to inconvenience the public rather than resolve claims its own workforce feel deeply passionate about.”
The TWU is calling on GKR to return to negotiations immediately to prevent further disruption. OwnerDriver has contacted GKR for comment.
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