Festival Records picket continues

Issue 

Festival Records picket continues

By Shane Bentley

SYDNEY — Picketers outside Festival Records have entered their sixth week on the picket line established by members of the National Union of Workers after Festival issued redundancy notices to 50 workers at its Pyrmont plant.

The picketers are demanding a better redundancy package. Management originally offered only two weeks' notice and two weeks' pay for each year worked, up to 10 years.

NUW members have blocked most products from entering or leaving the plant. The picket line has been respected by Transport Workers Union members and has won endorsement from the NSW Labour Council. Last week unionists at Ansett imposed work bans in solidarity (which have since been lifted).

It is understood that members of the gramophone and record section of the Australian Workers Union at Festival have been offered three weeks' notice and three weeks' pay for every year worked.

Management met with NUW members on June 18 and made a oral offer of only one week's extra pay for the 10th to the 20th year worked. This was rejected by the strikers.

The strikers need support and welcome all visitors to their picket line at Miller Street in Pyrmont.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.