A nationwide strike by transport workers is poised to disrupt alcohol and beverage supplies just days before the Australia Day long weekend, raising fears of significant shortages for consumers.
Strike Details and Union Demands
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has confirmed its drivers will walk off the job this Wednesday, January 21. The industrial action will commence at 5am AWST in Western Australia and 5am AEST in Victoria.
The union is pushing for a national agreement on pay and safety standards for Qube Logistics drivers. A core demand is for Qube to pay its Western Australian drivers in line with their Victorian colleagues, alongside crucial upgrades to working conditions.
TWU WA state secretary Tim Dawson stated the action is a critical move to lift standards across Australia's transport sector. "Transport is already Australia’s deadliest industry. Fragmented agreements and cost-cutting only make it worse," Mr Dawson said.
Potential Impact on Australia Day Supplies
The strike could have a severe impact on popular Australia Day beverages. The TWU warns that drivers transport key ingredients used in the production of Asahi beer and Coca-Cola products, which may lead to "major supply shortages" across the country.
Furthermore, supply chains for Mondelēz chocolate and various plastic products could also face interruptions due to the stoppages.
The timing is particularly problematic for WA consumers, who are preparing for a busy weekend featuring both Australia Day celebrations and Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown on Saturday.
Company Response and Negotiation Stalemate
Qube Logistics has hit back at the union's claims, accusing the TWU of fearmongering and abandoning negotiations. A company spokesperson stated that only five drivers operating two trucks are involved in WA, though numbers in Victoria and eastern states remain unclear.
"It is disappointing that the union are trying to mount a phony scare campaign," the Qube spokesperson said. "The truth is the TWU rejected a wage offer that would have seen workers... achieve a wage increase of more than 12% over the next three years, and then they walked away."
Qube insists it has implemented alternative supply arrangements and anticipates "zero" supply chain or customer impacts from the strike. The company has urged the union to return to the negotiating table immediately.
The union, however, maintains the strike is essential for worker safety and fair pay. A TWU statement argued that some drivers have not received a fair wage increase since 2022, with incomes falling behind inflation. The union's plan for 2026 includes consolidating state-based agreements to prevent a race to the bottom on safety and job security.
