Linfox fuel tank drivers in Victoria have won a $76,000 backpay claim after being paid incorrect grading. The claim was first raised by the TWU last year. Following various meetings, correspondence, commission hearings and a show of solidarity by members in a stop work meeting, Linfox finally paid out the members claim. We told management from the very start that Linfox’ rejection of our backpay claim was not good enough.
The Transport Workers Union has already identified more members entitled to backpay who no longer work for the business; we have already begun making representation for them.
TWU Organiser, Mem Suleyman said “It’s not everyday you deal with such a large claim. As expected the company made the process as difficult as they could. We had to fight & we did. Eventually we won.”
During the fight with Linfox, step by step here are our victories;
1. Identifying & raising the grading issues.
2. Adjusting the grade to reflect correct rate of pay.
3. Fair Work Commission hearing following Linfox delay tactics and refusal to provide vital information.
4. Linfox accepting to pay 6 years worth of backpay from February 2015.
5. Overall figure rising from first offer of $45,000 to $76,000.
6. Overturning a Linfox assessment in October 2015. They refused to pay our claim, after obtaining new information suggesting they shouldn’t pay.
7. Drivers accepting agreed figures to complete claim.
Together, the TWU & members just scored a great win. Now the focus will be on a new campaign for the National EBA. This will be negotiated across the country with other TWU Linfox fuels members.
LINFOX FUELS BACKPAY NOTICE – August 2015
FAIR WORK COMMISSION HEARING – early September 2015
LINFOX FUELS BACKPAY NOTICE- late September 2015
LINFOX FUELS UPDATE NOTICE – December 2015
