MIKE FREELANDER MP
MEMBER FOR MACARTHUR

ANNE STANLEY MP
OPPOSITION WHIP
MEMBER FOR WERRIWA

COLES MUST LISTEN TO SMEATON GRANGE WORKERS

Federal Labor is demanding Coles comes to the table and listens to the long-term, hardworking staff at its Smeaton Grange Distribution Centre.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese visited the workers of the distribution centre alongside Member for Macarthur Mike Freelander and Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley today.

The employees have been locked out of their workplace until February 11 in an aggressive response taken by the Coles Group.

“These workers are not on strike,” Dr Mike Freelander said.

“They have been unfairly locked out of their workplace over the holiday period.

“Coles’ brutal decision is forcing hundreds of local employees to go without a pay check for three months.

“This unfair and unjust decision is having a devastating impact upon their workforce and our entire community.

“This decision means entire families are now going without a pay check over the Christmas and New Year period.”

Anne Stanley said these workers were the heroes who kept groceries on the shelves at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

“They cannot be left out to dry while their CEO receives a 29 per cent pay increase and the Coles Group make a profit of almost a billion dollars on the backs of these workers,” Ms Stanley said.

“It is imperative that Coles comes back to the table, and seeks to engage with its workforce in a productive manner.”

The Federal Labor Leader also voiced his support for the workers during his visit to Macarthur.