Huyck Wagmer workers strike for better pay

Workers at Huyck Wagner in Breakwater have been trying to negotiate a new wage agreement for several months. The boss's offer of a 2% pay rise would mean, given current inflation, a pay cut in real terms.

When the negotiations failed, about 100 workers from the textile, manufacturing and electrical workers unions voted to strike for 24 hours on September 16 and 18. Geelong and Regional Trades and Labour Council endorsed the workers' campaign on September 16 and provided BBQ breakfasts in front of the factory for the strikers. Other unions and workers from nearby factories called in to say g'day and share a "solidarity sausage".

The workers will meet again this week to decide the next step in this campaign to secure livable wages and working conditions.

From GLW issue 768