COUNTRY ROAD GROUP WORKERS NOT TAKING ANYMORE CRAP
Nov 12 2021 United Workers Union.
Warehouse workers at Country Road Group’s distribution centre in Truganina have begun striking until their demands for better wages and respect in the workplace are met.

Despite the best efforts of Country Road managers to poo-poo legally protected industrial action, more than 50 workers from the site did not turn up to their rostered shift today and are instead rallying outside the gates.

Melbourne-based CRG received $25 million in JobKeeper subsidies from the Federal Government and is owned by South African retail group Woolworths Holding Limited, which reported more than $300million profit last financial year – an increase of 267 percent on the previous year. It distributes fashion favourites including Mimco, Trenery, Witchery, Politix, in addition to Country Road.

In the meantime, the company has responded to the union’s attempts to reach an equitable pay deal for its predominantly women workforce with dismissive and intimidating tactics.

Last week it was reported that CRG had laid fresh manure at a site where workers had planned to meet to discuss the ongoing bargaining campaign.

Workers at the Truganina warehouse are paid significantly less than their counterparts in logistics and distribution. They are pursuing a $1.00-per-hour pay rise which would bring their pay packet closer to in line with workers at the male-dominated warehouses in the area.

United Workers Union (UWU) logistics coordinator Mick Power said it was unfortunate that such a drastic action had to be taken during the peak demand for retail products.

“It’s regrettable that workers, who are only seeking a living wage, have been forced into a corner by Country Road,” Power said.

“This is a company which unironically brags about its commitment to upholding “high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the supply chain”, but is quite happy to fight tooth and nail to keep wages significantly lower than what the male-dominated warehouse workers enjoy.

“The reality for workers at Country Road, beyond the glossy magazines, celebrity-stacked fashion shows and beautifully curated boutiques is a hostile workplace coupled with poverty wages.

“Country Road executives really need to reflect on whether they are truly comfortable spruiking their ethical credentials while treating its mainly women warehouse workers like horse manure.”

The strike began at 12.01am today and will likely impact retail and online sales in the lead up to the busy Christmas period.

As part of the campaign, UWU is hosting CountryRogue.com.au, which has more information about the ongoing campaign.

COUNTRY ROAD WORKERS CHAIN THEMSELVES TOGETHER IN PROTEST
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Nov 16 2021 United Workers Union.
Undeterred by the weather, workers chained themselves together and held a rally outside Country Road’s flagship store in South Yarra today.

In an escalation of action, workers made their protest visible to those thinking about stocking up for Christmas, or looking for a new summer outfit.

United Workers Union logistics coordinator Mick Power said workers had had enough and were speaking out.

“Country Road claims this bargaining process has been fair, but have made every attempt to silence the voices of workers who only want a living wage,” Power said.

“Country Road’s despicable actions have included laying manure on the site of a planned peaceful protest. This is just the latest in a campaign of intimidation and bullying designed to intimidate workers from exercising their legal right to industrial action.

“The reality for workers at Country Road, beyond the glossy magazines, celebrity-stacked fashion shows and beautifully curated boutiques is a hostile workplace coupled with poverty wages and mostly male management who don’t want to listen to their mostly women workers.

“In April, 82 percent of workers voted to reject the insulting offer from Country Road. Since then, the company has refused to compromise or even talk about a fair deal, despite workers and their union moving on many of their claims.

“Going into Melbourne Fashion week, where Country Road will be unironically bragging about its commitment to upholding ‘high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the supply chain’, we will be making sure that customers and admirers of the company know the truth.”

Workers’ strike at Country Road will likely impact retail and online sales in the lead up to the busy Christmas period.