Support the Preston Motors picket line

Workers and concerned community members are continuing to hold rolling protests outside Preston Motors sites across Melbourne after the company's refusal to negotiate a wage increase for its warehouse employees.

Community protests and picket lines took place outside the company's Campbellfield and Essendon dealerships on March 27 and 28 to draw attention to the company's bad treatment of its employees. Up to 100 people, including members of the National Union of Workers (NUW) and Union Solidarity, attended.

Preston Motors' warehouse employees have also been protesting for nearly two weeks in an effort to negotiate a new collective agreement. The company is offering its workers a paltry $4 per week pay rise, to be paid in two $100 installments. NUW assistant state secretary Esmond Curnow said, "These workers have already gone close to a year-and-a-half without a pay rise, despite the company continuing to make money. Now they are being asked to go another year without any noticeable increase to their wages.

"Many of these workers have families and the company's offer simply doesn't reflect the current cost of living."

The main picket line is at 1551 Sydney Road, Campbellfield. The workers would appreciate public support.

From GLW issue 705