A clash between Pacific National and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has left grain exporters in the lurch, with RTBU announcing a 48 hour strike as of Monday 1 May, but Pacific National responded in turn by locking workers out for the whole week.

A GrainCorp spokesman said there would be “a significant impact” this week with as much as 25-30,000 tonnes of grain affected. With the shipping program already behind schedule for March and April, by the end of the week it could potentially be pushed back as far as a month. Exporters and bulk handlers are the ones most heavily affected and we look forward to a swift resolution on the matter.