A DARK cloud hangs over the future of 150 Sunshine employees left out of work by the sudden collapse of national trucking company 1st Fleet.
Workers turned up to the Sunshine depot on Thursday to find they had been locked out and their jobs terminated.
At 11.55 on Wednesday night, administrators deVries Tayeh announced 1st Fleet companies would cease trading.
An estimated 600 workers lost their jobs Australia-wide.
In a statement, the administrators blamed managing director Stephen Brown’s “inability to meet certain pre-arranged commitments” for loss of access to funding.
“This is a regrettable outcome, but deVries Tayeh are working closely with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) to assist 1st Fleet’s workforce in being placed with other employment.”
Employee Luong Tieu said he was shocked to turn up for work only to find the gates locked and his job gone.
“This morning we got told there was no more work. They just gave us the letter that told us that they were closed.”
The Sunshine resident, 53, had worked at 1st Fleet as a forklift driver for five years.
He said workers remained in the dark about money they were owed.
“It was a big surprise. It’s very important that I get looking for work so I can find another job,” he said.
The company was placed into administration on Anzac Day, with workers told a plan would be found to keep the group trading.
TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon laid the blame at the feet of major retailers.
He said the closure highlighted how major retailers were “squeezing the life out of Australian truckies and suppliers”.
“One in three truck movements in Australia are for major retailers such as Coles,” he said.
“This enormous economic power allows retailers to dictate the price they will pay for the transport of their goods.”
Coles hit back at the claims, threatening legal action against Mr Sheldon.
Spokesman Jon Church said Coles was creating jobs in Melbourne’s west, with a new distribution centre to open in Truganina.
He told The Age that Coles paid fair rates on time and hadn’t used 1st Fleet for five years.
“These businesses rely on a strong and successful Coles because that provides them with increased orders, job creation and security and the ability to plan and invest in their future.”
The lockout left other local companies unable to access thousands of dollars’ worth of stock left on trucks.
Brimbank’s Inspector Michael Grainger said police were happy with behaviour during the Strzelecki Avenue lockout.
“The gathering was peaceful and police left the scene. We will continue to pay visits just to ensure that the peace is preserved during this difficult time for the sacked workers and the company.”
