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Truckies to steer clear of angry spud farmers

Truck drivers won’t cross a picket line at a McCain’s factory where farmers are protesting over potato prices, TWU says

By Ruza Zivkusic | March 21, 2011

No truck drivers were affected during today’s McCain rally in central Victoria where potato growers picketed a factory, the Transport Workers Union says.

Up to 100 growers used 50 tractors converged on McCain’s Ballarat factory to demand a better potato price after being in talks with the Canadian-owned company for several of months.

McCain is offering farmers $275 a tonne, down on last year’s price of $300 a tonne despite this year’s crop being reduced to flooding.

Victorian TWU organiser Steve Nash drivers have been advised not to cross the picket line.

“Drivers will be affected if the protestors are standing over the gate because drivers won’t cross the picket line, it’s [as] simple as that,” Nash says.

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