West's industrial battle escalates

Remaining workers from The West Australian’s printing division have walked off the job this afternoon, following an overnight lockout, just hours before the masthead’s weekend papers are due to print.

Representatives of The West have not responded to requests for comment, but sources familiar with the paper's operations have said the weekend edition will still be going to print.

A spokesperson for the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union said all remaining print employees at West Australian Newspapers would leave the worksite at 3pm.

It follows a strike action yesterday afternoon and a move by The West’s management to lockout workers from the three unions indefinitely from 8pm Thursday night.

But not all workers were subject to the lockout.

“Today all print workers onsite have decided that they will cease work in solidarity with those locked out,” AMWU WA state secretary Steve McCartney said.

Almost 120 employees work in the printing division at The West.

It is understood printing of the weekend edition had not been completed at the time the remaining workers walked off the job.

Last night, a letter sent to union representatives signed by chief operating officer Phil O’Toole said a lock out would commence at 8:01pm.

Employees impacted by the lockout were directed not to attend or perform work during the lockout period.

“WAN will not make any payments for the duration of the lock out to those employees who are locked out,” the letter said. 

“However, the lock out will not affect the employees’ continuity of employment.”