For the first time in Australia, supermarket employees from Coles and Woolworths are coming together to take part in a coordinated strike this weekend.

While many of you may have heard this news already, here are some details you might have missed out on.

The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) has endorsed this two-hour strike—which they labelled Superstrike—in all states and territories of Australia except Tasmania. It's scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday, October 7.

Spokespeople from both Coles and Woolworths have expressed support for their workers' right to strike, and while neither supermarket predicts the issue will have a major impact on their store operations, it will still be disruptive nonetheless.

Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia will strike over the weekend for better work conditions. Credit: haireena, Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

RAFFWU Federal Secretary, Josh Cullinan, shared that the purpose of the strike is to demand a secure, safe and living wage.

'The strike is designed to influence Coles Supermarkets and Woolworths Supermarkets to make fair offers on the key things important to our members. The historic protected industrial action is in response to the employers refusing to make an offer on anything,' he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that he wanted each violation of workplace safety considered a crime, as assault and abuse in the workplace reached an all-time high. Mr Cullinan claimed that the companies are not doing anything to stop it.

The strike also aims to secure the casual workers' current jobs so they can afford to shop in the same stores they’re working in and to abolish junior rates, trainee rates and other poverty wage rates.

Retail workers who are members of RAFFWU will not be performing tasks like crushing cardboard boxes, cleaning toilets, packing online orders, clearing loose stock and others on Friday.

Mr Cullinan summarised the strike’s impact on the retailers’ operation: 'The impact will see 1,000 workers strike across the country and come together to share experiences and express solidarity with supporters. Some stores will have to close departments, and others will be staffed by managers.’

'In some places, it will be just one or two courageous workers going on strike,' he explained.

Woolworths stated that only 300 of the supermarket's 132,000 employees will participate in the strike and said it will have minimal impact on their stores’ operations. But they were clear that only RAFFWU members could join the upcoming strike.

A spokesperson from Woolworths expressed that they have a long history of good-faith bargaining: ‘We have been in regular contact with RAFFWU bargaining representatives, and an initial bargaining meeting has already occurred.’

‘Only individuals who have appointed RAFFWU as their bargaining representative are able to participate in the proposed industrial action. As a result, we would not expect customers or our stores to be materially impacted,’ they added.

Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson expressed a similar sentiment, saying that only 450 of its current workforce are signed to the union. Most of their stores only have less than 5 members each.

They’re currently working on proposals for a new Supermarket Enterprise Agreement.

‘Coles is committed to delivering an outcome that balances the needs of our team members and the sustainability of our business and ensures we can continue to deliver great value and experiences for our customers,’ the spokesperson added.

Retail workers last saw an increase in their working conditions last July when both supermarkets raised the wages by 5.75 per cent.

This was made after the Fair Work Commission increased the minimum wage.

In the past financial year, Coles and Woolworths reported more than $1 billion in profits.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia (excluding Tasmania) will stage a strike over the weekend for better work conditions.
  
• It will be the first coordinated supermarket strike in Australian history, endorsed by the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), whose 1,000 members will participate in a two-hour industrial action.
  
• Both companies have reportedly supported their employees' right to strike, with 300 employees from Woolworths and 450 from Coles.
  
• Another goal of the strike is to secure ongoing jobs for casual employees. Both Coles and Woolworths are reported to be in initial bargaining talks with the RAFFWU.
  

Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes that might be happening in your local supermarket this weekend, and plan your shopping days ahead of the strike

What’s your take on this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Rshlc]

I support the worker, they work hard and I have seen them being yelled at due to items not in stock or have been moved to a different area to increase profits.

 

[Duchess1234]

For the first time in Australia, supermarket employees from Coles and Woolworths are coming together to take part in a coordinated strike this weekend.

While many of you may have heard this news already, here are some details you might have missed out on.

The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) has endorsed this two-hour strike—which they labelled Superstrike—in all states and territories of Australia except Tasmania. It's scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday, October 7.

Spokespeople from both Coles and Woolworths have expressed support for their workers' right to strike, and while neither supermarket predicts the issue will have a major impact on their store operations, it will still be disruptive nonetheless.

View attachment 31456

Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia will strike over the weekend for better work conditions. Credit: haireena, Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

RAFFWU Federal Secretary, Josh Cullinan, shared that the purpose of the strike is to demand a secure, safe and living wage.

'The strike is designed to influence Coles Supermarkets and Woolworths Supermarkets to make fair offers on the key things important to our members. The historic protected industrial action is in response to the employers refusing to make an offer on anything,' he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that he wanted each violation of workplace safety considered a crime, as assault and abuse in the workplace reached an all-time high. Mr Cullinan claimed that the companies are not doing anything to stop it.

The strike also aims to secure the casual workers' current jobs so they can afford to shop in the same stores they’re working in and to abolish junior rates, trainee rates and other poverty wage rates.

Retail workers who are members of RAFFWU will not be performing tasks like crushing cardboard boxes, cleaning toilets, packing online orders, clearing loose stock and others on Friday.

Mr Cullinan summarised the strike’s impact on the retailers’ operation: 'The impact will see 1,000 workers strike across the country and come together to share experiences and express solidarity with supporters. Some stores will have to close departments, and others will be staffed by managers.’

'In some places, it will be just one or two courageous workers going on strike,' he explained.

Woolworths stated that only 300 of the supermarket's 132,000 employees will participate in the strike and said it will have minimal impact on their stores’ operations. But they were clear that only RAFFWU members could join the upcoming strike.

A spokesperson from Woolworths expressed that they have a long history of good-faith bargaining: ‘We have been in regular contact with RAFFWU bargaining representatives, and an initial bargaining meeting has already occurred.’

‘Only individuals who have appointed RAFFWU as their bargaining representative are able to participate in the proposed industrial action. As a result, we would not expect customers or our stores to be materially impacted,’ they added.

Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson expressed a similar sentiment, saying that only 450 of its current workforce are signed to the union. Most of their stores only have less than 5 members each.

They’re currently working on proposals for a new Supermarket Enterprise Agreement.

‘Coles is committed to delivering an outcome that balances the needs of our team members and the sustainability of our business and ensures we can continue to deliver great value and experiences for our customers,’ the spokesperson added.

Retail workers last saw an increase in their working conditions last July when both supermarkets raised the wages by 5.75 per cent.

This was made after the Fair Work Commission increased the minimum wage.

In the past financial year, Coles and Woolworths reported more than $1 billion in profits.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia (excluding Tasmania) will stage a strike over the weekend for better work conditions.
• It will be the first coordinated supermarket strike in Australian history, endorsed by the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), whose 1,000 members will participate in a two-hour industrial action.
• Both companies have reportedly supported their employees' right to strike, with 300 employees from Woolworths and 450 from Coles.
• Another goal of the strike is to secure ongoing jobs for casual employees. Both Coles and Woolworths are reported to be in initial bargaining talks with the RAFFWU.

Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes that might be happening in your local supermarket this weekend, and plan your shopping days ahead of the strike

What’s your take on this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

I

 

[Duchess1234]

For the first time in Australia, supermarket employees from Coles and Woolworths are coming together to take part in a coordinated strike this weekend.

While many of you may have heard this news already, here are some details you might have missed out on.

The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) has endorsed this two-hour strike—which they labelled Superstrike—in all states and territories of Australia except Tasmania. It's scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday, October 7.

Spokespeople from both Coles and Woolworths have expressed support for their workers' right to strike, and while neither supermarket predicts the issue will have a major impact on their store operations, it will still be disruptive nonetheless.

View attachment 31456

Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia will strike over the weekend for better work conditions. Credit: haireena, Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

RAFFWU Federal Secretary, Josh Cullinan, shared that the purpose of the strike is to demand a secure, safe and living wage.

'The strike is designed to influence Coles Supermarkets and Woolworths Supermarkets to make fair offers on the key things important to our members. The historic protected industrial action is in response to the employers refusing to make an offer on anything,' he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that he wanted each violation of workplace safety considered a crime, as assault and abuse in the workplace reached an all-time high. Mr Cullinan claimed that the companies are not doing anything to stop it.

The strike also aims to secure the casual workers' current jobs so they can afford to shop in the same stores they’re working in and to abolish junior rates, trainee rates and other poverty wage rates.

Retail workers who are members of RAFFWU will not be performing tasks like crushing cardboard boxes, cleaning toilets, packing online orders, clearing loose stock and others on Friday.

Mr Cullinan summarised the strike’s impact on the retailers’ operation: 'The impact will see 1,000 workers strike across the country and come together to share experiences and express solidarity with supporters. Some stores will have to close departments, and others will be staffed by managers.’

'In some places, it will be just one or two courageous workers going on strike,' he explained.

Woolworths stated that only 300 of the supermarket's 132,000 employees will participate in the strike and said it will have minimal impact on their stores’ operations. But they were clear that only RAFFWU members could join the upcoming strike.

A spokesperson from Woolworths expressed that they have a long history of good-faith bargaining: ‘We have been in regular contact with RAFFWU bargaining representatives, and an initial bargaining meeting has already occurred.’

‘Only individuals who have appointed RAFFWU as their bargaining representative are able to participate in the proposed industrial action. As a result, we would not expect customers or our stores to be materially impacted,’ they added.

Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson expressed a similar sentiment, saying that only 450 of its current workforce are signed to the union. Most of their stores only have less than 5 members each.

They’re currently working on proposals for a new Supermarket Enterprise Agreement.

‘Coles is committed to delivering an outcome that balances the needs of our team members and the sustainability of our business and ensures we can continue to deliver great value and experiences for our customers,’ the spokesperson added.

Retail workers last saw an increase in their working conditions last July when both supermarkets raised the wages by 5.75 per cent.

This was made after the Fair Work Commission increased the minimum wage.

In the past financial year, Coles and Woolworths reported more than $1 billion in profits.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia (excluding Tasmania) will stage a strike over the weekend for better work conditions.
• It will be the first coordinated supermarket strike in Australian history, endorsed by the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), whose 1,000 members will participate in a two-hour industrial action.
• Both companies have reportedly supported their employees' right to strike, with 300 employees from Woolworths and 450 from Coles.
• Another goal of the strike is to secure ongoing jobs for casual employees. Both Coles and Woolworths are reported to be in initial bargaining talks with the RAFFWU.

Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes that might be happening in your local supermarket this weekend, and plan your shopping days ahead of the strike

What’s your take on this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

It is about time staff stood up for better conditions and better wages....as long as they don't stand around keep moving lot can be done at these big shops...IF IT IS FOR WAGE RISE...I AGREE WITH THEM WHOLEHEARTEDLY......SOME CUSTOMERS CAN BE SO RUDE.....

 

[sim140]

A drop in the ocean....only equates to about 5% of workers, most are with the SDA!

 

[Royal Watcher]

For the first time in Australia, supermarket employees from Coles and Woolworths are coming together to take part in a coordinated strike this weekend.

While many of you may have heard this news already, here are some details you might have missed out on.

The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) has endorsed this two-hour strike—which they labelled Superstrike—in all states and territories of Australia except Tasmania. It's scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday, October 7.

Spokespeople from both Coles and Woolworths have expressed support for their workers' right to strike, and while neither supermarket predicts the issue will have a major impact on their store operations, it will still be disruptive nonetheless.

View attachment 31456

Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia will strike over the weekend for better work conditions. Credit: haireena, Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

RAFFWU Federal Secretary, Josh Cullinan, shared that the purpose of the strike is to demand a secure, safe and living wage.

'The strike is designed to influence Coles Supermarkets and Woolworths Supermarkets to make fair offers on the key things important to our members. The historic protected industrial action is in response to the employers refusing to make an offer on anything,' he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that he wanted each violation of workplace safety considered a crime, as assault and abuse in the workplace reached an all-time high. Mr Cullinan claimed that the companies are not doing anything to stop it.

The strike also aims to secure the casual workers' current jobs so they can afford to shop in the same stores they’re working in and to abolish junior rates, trainee rates and other poverty wage rates.

Retail workers who are members of RAFFWU will not be performing tasks like crushing cardboard boxes, cleaning toilets, packing online orders, clearing loose stock and others on Friday.

Mr Cullinan summarised the strike’s impact on the retailers’ operation: 'The impact will see 1,000 workers strike across the country and come together to share experiences and express solidarity with supporters. Some stores will have to close departments, and others will be staffed by managers.’

'In some places, it will be just one or two courageous workers going on strike,' he explained.

Woolworths stated that only 300 of the supermarket's 132,000 employees will participate in the strike and said it will have minimal impact on their stores’ operations. But they were clear that only RAFFWU members could join the upcoming strike.

A spokesperson from Woolworths expressed that they have a long history of good-faith bargaining: ‘We have been in regular contact with RAFFWU bargaining representatives, and an initial bargaining meeting has already occurred.’

‘Only individuals who have appointed RAFFWU as their bargaining representative are able to participate in the proposed industrial action. As a result, we would not expect customers or our stores to be materially impacted,’ they added.

Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson expressed a similar sentiment, saying that only 450 of its current workforce are signed to the union. Most of their stores only have less than 5 members each.

They’re currently working on proposals for a new Supermarket Enterprise Agreement.

‘Coles is committed to delivering an outcome that balances the needs of our team members and the sustainability of our business and ensures we can continue to deliver great value and experiences for our customers,’ the spokesperson added.

Retail workers last saw an increase in their working conditions last July when both supermarkets raised the wages by 5.75 per cent.

This was made after the Fair Work Commission increased the minimum wage.

In the past financial year, Coles and Woolworths reported more than $1 billion in profits.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia (excluding Tasmania) will stage a strike over the weekend for better work conditions.
• It will be the first coordinated supermarket strike in Australian history, endorsed by the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), whose 1,000 members will participate in a two-hour industrial action.
• Both companies have reportedly supported their employees' right to strike, with 300 employees from Woolworths and 450 from Coles.
• Another goal of the strike is to secure ongoing jobs for casual employees. Both Coles and Woolworths are reported to be in initial bargaining talks with the RAFFWU.

Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes that might be happening in your local supermarket this weekend, and plan your shopping days ahead of the strike

What’s your take on this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

While I fully respect the right of workers to strike for legitimate reasons, good luck getting that big a wage rise!
I worked in retail for 25 years & it took that time to get from $17-$25 approx p hr! If it was in any other industry, they would have been “rioting in the streets”!
I’m not a Socialist by any means, but I do believe in workers being paid appropriately for the work they do!
I was a member of the SDA but there weren’t many in the company that were members! The trouble has been with these EBAs, I saw them as the path to bargaining our rights away w the employers! They used to send us letter to let us know that they’d gained a less than $1 wage rise & it made you feel like saying “you seriously sat around a table bargaining for that?”
It is a vicious circle like everything to do with money! The more we get, the more we want!
My advice was always to the young ones, if you really think you’ll make money in retail, think again! Unless you’re a store manager or dept manager
that won’t happen! The place I worked for now has no assist managers & all managers work on the floor w the staff!
Which may not be a bad thing.
I also understand that employers have to consider their profits, but in the case of places like Woolworths & Coles, there’s no way I would be cleaning the Managers toilet or cleaning up vomit/bodily fluids! My workplace had cleaners & they weren’t as huge a concern as Coles or Woollies! Depends on size of company & I’ve worked in both!
But in saying all that, my happiest years were working in retail in my middle years after most of my kids had flown the coup! I love interaction w people & you get to meet all sorts, mostly good ones despite what is said!
I hope there is a quick outcome to this so shoppers aren’t inconvenienced as well!
Enjoy your day everyone & if you’ve worked in retail, you try to respect the people on both sides of the counter - that’s how I try to shop!

 

[MariaG]

I feel the workers deserve to be paid for the work they do.
As far as the strike goes, I think I can live without a grocery shop for a couple of hours.
My only concern is, if they achieve their goal, will some of these workers be suddenly made redundant because of technology and replaced by un-manned checkouts.
Somewhat of a catch 22.

 

[Mazzs1950]

Why use a headline of thousands to strike? Clearly you didn’t listen to the Union rep when he said approximately 1 (ONE) thousand across the whole of Australia which will equate to 1 or 2 staff members missing from the stores.

 

[Anoush]

I support the workers ,,,,they work so hard and get the anger from shoppers ,,if the big boys on their huge salaries retaliate by cutting staff and expecting customers to use the fast checkouts then they can count me out,,I will not put a full grocery shop through them,,I only put up to 4-6 items through,,they don't pay me a wage so why should I contribute to their profit,,,customers and employee's are the ones who suffer

 

[IAN3005]

For the first time in Australia, supermarket employees from Coles and Woolworths are coming together to take part in a coordinated strike this weekend.

While many of you may have heard this news already, here are some details you might have missed out on.

The Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) has endorsed this two-hour strike—which they labelled Superstrike—in all states and territories of Australia except Tasmania. It's scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. this Saturday, October 7.

Spokespeople from both Coles and Woolworths have expressed support for their workers' right to strike, and while neither supermarket predicts the issue will have a major impact on their store operations, it will still be disruptive nonetheless.

View attachment 31456

Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia will strike over the weekend for better work conditions. Credit: haireena, Daria Nipot/Shutterstock

RAFFWU Federal Secretary, Josh Cullinan, shared that the purpose of the strike is to demand a secure, safe and living wage.

'The strike is designed to influence Coles Supermarkets and Woolworths Supermarkets to make fair offers on the key things important to our members. The historic protected industrial action is in response to the employers refusing to make an offer on anything,' he said.

Additionally, he mentioned that he wanted each violation of workplace safety considered a crime, as assault and abuse in the workplace reached an all-time high. Mr Cullinan claimed that the companies are not doing anything to stop it.

The strike also aims to secure the casual workers' current jobs so they can afford to shop in the same stores they’re working in and to abolish junior rates, trainee rates and other poverty wage rates.

Retail workers who are members of RAFFWU will not be performing tasks like crushing cardboard boxes, cleaning toilets, packing online orders, clearing loose stock and others on Friday.

Mr Cullinan summarised the strike’s impact on the retailers’ operation: 'The impact will see 1,000 workers strike across the country and come together to share experiences and express solidarity with supporters. Some stores will have to close departments, and others will be staffed by managers.’

'In some places, it will be just one or two courageous workers going on strike,' he explained.

Woolworths stated that only 300 of the supermarket's 132,000 employees will participate in the strike and said it will have minimal impact on their stores’ operations. But they were clear that only RAFFWU members could join the upcoming strike.

A spokesperson from Woolworths expressed that they have a long history of good-faith bargaining: ‘We have been in regular contact with RAFFWU bargaining representatives, and an initial bargaining meeting has already occurred.’

‘Only individuals who have appointed RAFFWU as their bargaining representative are able to participate in the proposed industrial action. As a result, we would not expect customers or our stores to be materially impacted,’ they added.

Meanwhile, a Coles spokesperson expressed a similar sentiment, saying that only 450 of its current workforce are signed to the union. Most of their stores only have less than 5 members each.

They’re currently working on proposals for a new Supermarket Enterprise Agreement.

‘Coles is committed to delivering an outcome that balances the needs of our team members and the sustainability of our business and ensures we can continue to deliver great value and experiences for our customers,’ the spokesperson added.

Retail workers last saw an increase in their working conditions last July when both supermarkets raised the wages by 5.75 per cent.

This was made after the Fair Work Commission increased the minimum wage.

In the past financial year, Coles and Woolworths reported more than $1 billion in profits.

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of workers from Coles and Woolworths supermarkets across Australia (excluding Tasmania) will stage a strike over the weekend for better work conditions.
• It will be the first coordinated supermarket strike in Australian history, endorsed by the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), whose 1,000 members will participate in a two-hour industrial action.
• Both companies have reportedly supported their employees' right to strike, with 300 employees from Woolworths and 450 from Coles.
• Another goal of the strike is to secure ongoing jobs for casual employees. Both Coles and Woolworths are reported to be in initial bargaining talks with the RAFFWU.

Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes that might be happening in your local supermarket this weekend, and plan your shopping days ahead of the strike

What’s your take on this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Well the worker, what is left of them, sees the exorbitant prices and feel they should get a"cut" and rightly so.

 

[Colleen M]

My position within Woolworths was made redundant Australia wide in 2019. I had to reapply for a position but as i was close to sixty was already a forgone conclusion that i would be unsuccessful. Just prior to this Woolworths and the unions came to a new understanding re wages , holidays , public holidays etc. As a result i lost days in lieu for most public holidays. As in, if a p/h fell on your weekend it was bad luck. My weekend was Monday/Tuesday, therefore i lost many days in leiu. In my opinion unions are parasites, take your fees and stab you in the back! No, i wasn’t a checkout chick, rather a meat team leader, in charge of an $80k p/ w department with 7 staff, and i busted my arse everyday.

 

[Johnmcl]

As a unionist I share your pain. The fact that not many of your colleagues have joined the union means that it is difficult for the union to protect your rights. Employers have the upper hand. I support your cause. Shame on multinationals companies making huge profits but not supporting their workers. I fully support your strike and hope that benefits are achieved.
John Mcloughlan

 

[freedy50]

What a waste of time. Doesnt look like its going to affect anyone with so few people going on strike.
And only wanting more money is mentioned, not all the nonsense about self service checkouts losing jobs!!