Foster's refuses union agreement

Around 30 workers and supporters rallied outside Foster's Queensland marketing headquarters in Fortitude Valley on August 9. Foster's is still refusing to accept a union-backed collective agreement despite it being the choice of the majority of workers at the Yatala Brewery.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) state secretary Andrew Dettmer said on August 2 that "One senior manager said even if there was 200 per cent support for a union collective agreement there would never be a union collective agreement on the Yatala site".

Damien Davie, an organiser for the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU), thanked the many night-shift workers from the brewery who attended the rally. Davie said that Cascade Brewery workers in Tasmania, Abbotsford Brewery workers in Melbourne and winery workers in South Australia will wear badges at work in support of Yatala workers.

The LHMU, AMWU and Electrical Trades Union are circulating a "drinkers" petition around city pubs where people can show their support.

From GLW issue 721