Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to offer huge congratulations to the amazing workers at the Country Road warehouse in Truganina. Mostly women, they were earning less than the male warehouse workers doing the same work and just above the minimum wage and they decided that that just wasn't right. On strike for almost two weeks since standing up for their basic rights, I visited them on Friday to show my support. I told them I would tell their story in parliament and I am proud to do so right now. I am also proud to convey that these women this week have won their campaign and voted to support a new deal, a deal that respects their contribution to the success of Country Road; a deal that acknowledges that it is their work while everyone else is asleep that makes it possible for Country Road stores to operate. It is their work that keeps this business running. These women wanted recognition of that contribution, but they did feel disrespected and so they spoke out and they walked out.

Going on strike is always a last resort. It's always incredibly tough to do. The women that I met on Friday spoke of doing this for their families, to be able to support their children and also to show their children that in Australia standing up for what is right is always the right thing to do. With that determination these courageous members of the United Workers Union won an increased pay rise; more permanent ongoing jobs; same job, same pay for all workers at the warehouse and respect—respect from their families, respect from the company, respect from the community and my respect as well. I'd particularly like to give shout-out to Lydia and Kate for telling me their stories and a huge congratulations to you both.