Updated 5.34pm: A group of Indian workers walked off their job at a car dealership after being on the wrong end of what they call a racist outburst from their employer.

But the union representing them say that was just the final straw after long-term concerns over unsafe working conditions.

EPMU national industry organiser Louisa Jones says shifts of up to 15 hours were just one of the health and safety issue workers had to deal with.

She says they also had to work outside with no high visibility gear or workboots - and weren't given gloves when working with chemicals.

The EMPU says it's formed a picket line at 2Cheap Cars, which is part of a nationwide franchise.



Jones said they contacted the union yesterday after walking off the job.

She said many of the workers have withstood the abuse for so long because they are on student visas - but they've now had enough.

"So basically what we want to do is we want to get them back on the job as quickly as possible."

"But we want to do it in a safe way and where they're not going to be abused, and then work out the other issues and terms with the employer."

They have contacted WorkSafe and the Human Rights Commission, asking for an independent mediator to assist.