By Thomas Henry
Copyright news
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) confirmed its members had refused to turn up for work for 10 days after a “breakdown in negotiations” with Schindler Lifts, a Swiss company responsible for manufacturing lifts, escalators and moving walkways.
The contingent of disgruntled technicians are set to gather outside the company’s head office on Wednesday to mark the 10 days of strike action.
The ETU NSW secretary Allen Hicks said Schindler Lifts was “putting corporate greed ahead of workers’ rights”.
“Our members are being forced into action because Schindler refuses to provide fair pay, secure jobs, and pay parity with interstate Schindler employees,” he said.
“As a result of Schindler Lifts’ refusal to provide fair wages and conditions, ETU members have been forced to stop work indefinitely.”
The union claims the company had refused to provide workers with a fair increase to match the interstate Schindler employees, refused to commit to the fair and safe use of subcontractors, and failed to address allegations that workers were waiting months to be reimbursed for work related expenses.
The union action, now on its 10th day is expected to cause issues across offices, shopping centres and other venues as escalators and lifts remain out of action.
The ETU confirmed technicians would still attend life threatening emergencies.
Schindler Lifts has been contacted for comment.
