Pampas workers strike for pay rise

Issue 

BY PAUL MILLER

MELBOURNE — Workers employed at the Pampas factory in West Footscray have been on strike since September 4, after negotiations about wages and conditions broke down. It is the first strike at the plant in 20 years.

The dispute began three weeks earlier when management refused to pay workers for a union meeting; workers decided to sit in the lunchroom for 24 hours.

While workers want 4% per annum for the next two years and back pay of the same percentage from July this year, the company has only offered an 8.5% pay rise over three years.

The company has also asked workers to trade off conditions including rostered days off and safety net insurance, which would mean an extra 2% burden on workers wages — effectively only a 0.9% wage rise.

The company told the 130 striking workers it was not prepared to come back to the negotiating table until they returned to work. It issued notices to workers threatening that lost production could spell staff cuts.

Despite the attitude of management, the spirits of workers on the picket line remains high. There is a high flow-through of motor traffic on the road past the picket line and there is an almost continuous tooting of horns in support of the striking workers.

If you wish to support the workers, visit the picket line at 11-13 Sunshine Road, West Footscray.

From Green Left Weekly, September 18, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page. 

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.