Bad Egg Boss Orders Drivers To Run Down Striking Workers

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16th December 2009, 06:16pm - Views: 1431
BAD EGG BOSS ORDERS DRIVERS TO RUN DOWN STRIKING WORKERS

The manager of an egg distribution company ordered delivery drivers to run down her own striking employees at a Lake Macquarie worksite.

Farm Pride manager Cathy Tupea yelled, "Run 'em down" to truck drivers as they
approached the workers outside the gate of the Farm Pride site at Dora Creek.

Union officials and striking workers have informed local police of the actions of the reckless manager.

Egg packers are striking in support of a collective workplace agreement and better working conditions which the company refuses to discuss.

Some of the full-time Farm Pride workers have been classified and paid as casuals for over 25 years.

Farm Pride is a major egg distributor to McDonalds outlets, Coles and Woolworths
supermarkets, Pace Farm Eggs and other outlets.

National Union Of Workers, NSW Branch (NUW) spokesman, Mark Ptolemy described
the company as callous and exploitative.

"The conditions are appalling, adult workers are paid $17 per hour and the company simply does not give a damn about its employees. Egg shortages in stores could be a possibility but the workers have been pushed too far", Mark Ptolemy said.

Richard Waller, who was recently laid off after raising concerns about wages and conditions, said workers recently sought help from the NUW out of frustration at the attitude of Farm Pride management.

"All we wanted to do is discuss a way we can have better conditions at work and have better wages for our families. The company rejected our request and has steadfastly refused to talk to us", Mr. Waller said.

Farm Pride workers said that they would strike for as long as it takes to get the company to come to the negotiating table.

For further information contact
Mark Ptolemy
on (02) 9682 4622 or
0414 993873.

SOURCE: National Union of Workers, NSW Branch

Farm Pride is located at the corner of Newport and Coorumbung Roads Dora
Creek NSW.

The NUW covers workers employed in warehousing and logistics, food manufacture &
distribution, pharmaceuticals and other industries.

SOURCE: NATIONAL UNION OF WORKERS, NSW BRANCH


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