Supermarkets Strike Saturday 7th October 10am to 12pm – Request for Solidarity

Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) members at Coles and Woolworths Supermarkets have been trying to negotiate with the multi-billion dollar supermarkets for almost a year.

VAHPA stands in solidarity with RAFFWU asking for the most basic of conditions – living wages, safer workplaces and secure jobs. Workers are paid a base wage of between $12 and $25 per hour depending on their age. They are paid a few cents per hour more than the minimum Award rates.

RAFFWU have been building member power and their delegates and members are engaging in protected industrial action. About 1000 workers will be undertaking strike action and bans.

Coles has responded by standing down (refusing to pay or accept the work of any) workers who implement a single ban. The workers paid poverty wages will be paid nothing until they relent and stop action.

RAFFWU members will be meeting from 10am on Saturday 7 October outside Coles Spencer Street.

If possible, any support on the day would also be warmly welcomed from VAHPA members.

You can also show your support through the following actions:

Email the CEO of Woolworths, Brad Banducci: bbanducci@woolworths.com.au and let them know that workers deserve a fair share. Copy us in: woolies@raffwu.org.au

Email the CEO of Coles, Leah Weckert: leah.weckert@coles.com.au and let them know that workers deserve a fair share. Copy us in: coles@raffwu.org.au

Support the cause at www.chuffed.org/project/superstrike.

Details of other actions to take here: https://raffwu.org.au/nationalsuperstrike7oct/

Original message from Josh Cullinan, Secretary, Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.