The grain handler industrial action is set to go full steam ahead as talks between GrainCorp and the Australian Worker's Union with the Fair Work Commission broke down today, Friday 25 October. 

An unspecified number of grain handling sites in NSW can expect to see stoppages that could disrupt harvest deliveries.

Starting on 29 October, grain handlers who are union members will begin one-hour work stoppages at the busiest times of the day as they plead their case for a wage increase that matches inflation. 

At the Fair Work Commission GrainCorp put forth an offer of a 14 percent increase over three years, along with a sign-on bonus of $1,000 and backpay to 1 July 2024. 

"We feel this is a fair and generous offer that recognises the value of our people who sit at the heart of our operations," Head of Corporate Affairs Jess Simons said. 

"It's deeply disappointing that rather than seizing the opportunity to resolve the dispute, the AWU has decided to escalate the process towards protected industrial action at the most important time of the year for NSW growers and their businesses."

GrainCorp said they are working on minimising the industrial action's impact on harvest activity. 

"Our teams are working to understand the level of impact that any protected industrial action may have and ensuring that harvest activity can continue at our sites. We will be communicating directly with our grower customers to keep them informed of the situation as it continues to develop."

The AWU says grain handlers' wages did not increase in line with inflation. Photo: GrainCorp

AWU NSW Secretary Tony Callinan said he is frustrated GrainCorp did not agree to their conditions which were only marginally more. 

"Today GrainCorp decided to disrupt a bumper grain harvest across western NSW for 30 cents an hour in two years time," Mr Callinan said. 

At the discussion table on Friday, GrainCorp had bumped the sign-on bonus up by $250, but Mr Callinan said they want to see long-term, sustainable solutions. 

"That's not going to cut it. This time around the workers want to lock in the wage increase."

Mr Callinan said he hopes GrainCorp and union members can reach an agreement. 

"I've made clear this afternoon, we're open for discussion. We only want an extra one percent. If they find that one percent, they can give us a call." 

On Monday 28 October, the AWU will have a meeting and finalise their plans for the industrial action.