Smiths: stop screwing older workers!

There have been several serious OHS incidents at the Smith's warehouse in QLD over the last few years, including a worker being pinned by a forklift and another worker losing half their finger.

As a result, workers are concerned that Smith's aren't taking their OHS obligations seriously. Members of the National Union of Workers take OHS very seriously because it could save their life.

On 26 June 2014, Royce Mumford's forklift bumped racking and a pallet of chips was dropped. Royce was working four bays away from other workers so there was no risk of injury to anyone. Royce was marched out the front door, and his termination letter reads that he was fired for misconduct. Royce had worked for Smith's for 19 years. Royce's job has not been filled.

Accidents happen. Accidents happen at Smiths. Forklifts bump racking which can cause pallets to fall. This kind of incident has been captured on CCTV many times, In Royce's case he was fired, but in other cases no action has been taken.

Recently 12 other long-serving employees have been fired, workers feel employees who have worked for Smiths for a shorter time are not being sacked in comparable situations.

Workers suspect that Smith's may announce mass job losses later this year. Are Smith's callously getting rid of long-serving employees to save money on redundancy payments?

So where does Royce find himself now?

"I am getting driving lessons in a Heavy Rigid truck to try and get my HR license to improve my employment prospects. After a month of applying for countless jobs, I still don't have a job. It is very demoralising.

This is putting a huge strain on our finances. My wife Shelly is unable to work as she has a serious health issue. We also have a son with Autism and have had to cut back on therapy sessions for him due to our limited finances.

I am the sole bread winner. I am feeling depressed; stress and anxiety are part of my daily life now.

Having a termination letter stating that my termination was due to misconduct has not helped at all. Trying to explain what really happened puts my credibility on the line. I have a big black mark against me. After 19 years of service I have no reference from Smith's.

To be honest, I am really angry at the way Smith's has treated me, especially considering the far more serious incidents that have occurred with little or no disciplinary action. Why am I being treated differently? I feel robbed of my future." Royce Mumford, NUW member.