BY STUART MARTIN
MELBOURNE — After five months on strike, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) maintenance workers at Smorgon Steel in Laverton are still fighting to win the 36-hour work week and better pay and working conditions.
Despite the tough conditions, none of the striking workers have broken ranks and crossed the picket line. The strike is now the longest-running picket line in the ETU's history.
The Australian Workers Union (AWU), which covers the metal maintenance workers at the site, did not support the strike, but an official statement by the union in July claimed to have reached agreement on the 36-hour work week and improved casual loading payment and shift allowances for its members.
However, the details of the in-principle agreement have not been made public. Picketers told Green Left Weekly that not even AWU members have seen the final wording. It is possible that key conditions or pay have been traded off to get the 36-hour work week.
A recent meeting of the ETU resolved to continue the struggle against Smorgon and the two labour-hire companies IES and TAD/Adecco to get the best possible agreement for its members.
For further information, contact Gerry Glover on 0418 354 359. Unionists and community members are encouraged to drop in on the picket at 103 Doherty's road in Laverton.
From Green Left Weekly, August 13, 2003.
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