7/08/2018
Quarry owner-operator locks workers out of work until they accept pay deal
In a very rare turn of events quarry workers in the Brynderwyn hills have been locked out of their work site until
Sunday August 12.
The lockout (attached) demands workers agree to the deal on the table, a deal which is lower than the Living Wage. Workers do not get paid during lockouts.
Due to impressive community support a fund has been set up to help the workers with their pay-dispute: atlaslockout.com
FIRST Union Transport, Logistics and Manufacturing Division Secretary Jared Abbott says the current offer to settle the
collective is well below market rate.
“The owner’s lifestyle is an extra kick in the guts. He owns a lavish holiday home in Russell, and charges top price
for his concrete, meanwhile his workers are on two to three dollars less than competitors’ employees.”
He says the picket, on State Highway One is boosting workers’ moral despite the lockout.
“These workers are not valued and the community knows it. Locals are taking food to the locked-out workers to show their
support.”
“Look they just want a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work and they’ve garnered so much support up here. If only the
owner would listen.”
ENDS