Lift technicians in New South Wales are engaged in an ongoing strike, refusing to report for duty due to unresolved pay negotiations with the multinational company, Schindler Lifts. The strike, now in its tenth day, was initiated after a breakdown in discussions regarding fair compensation and job security for workers.
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) confirmed that its members have not worked since the action began, with many technicians planning to assemble outside Schindler’s head office on Wednesday to highlight their grievances. According to Allen Hicks, the ETU’s NSW secretary, the situation has arisen because Schindler Lifts is prioritizing “corporate greed ahead of workers’ rights.”
Union representatives assert that the company has failed to provide a pay increase that aligns with what employees receive in other states. Moreover, they allege that Schindler has not committed to ensuring safe working conditions for subcontractors, and there are reports of employees waiting months to receive reimbursements for work-related expenses.
The disruption caused by the strike is expected to impact various locations, including offices, shopping centres, and other venues where lifts and escalators are essential for operation. Despite the ongoing strike, the union has confirmed that technicians will still respond to life-threatening emergencies.
Members of the ETU are advocating for fair pay and secure jobs, with Hicks stating that “as a result of Schindler Lifts’ refusal to provide fair wages and conditions, ETU members have been forced to stop work indefinitely.”
Schindler Lifts, a company headquartered in Switzerland, has been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing dispute and the union’s claims. The situation underscores the tension between corporate practices and worker rights, with potential ramifications for the industry and affected communities.
