Sacked workers reinstated after protest

Issue 

Sacked workers reinstated after protest

By Tom Flanagan

SYDNEY — After lively protest actions at Woolworth stores, involving building workers and other unionists, students, activists and parliamentarians, around 30 workers sacked by Metro Shopfitting have been offered re-employment.

The terms of the settlement negotiated with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union included the offer of re-employment, reinstatement of the union's enterprise bargaining agreement and the sacking of the body-hire agency.

The CFMEU organised the protests after the sacked workers were replaced by casual workers employed by a body-hire agency on lower rates of pay. The action included the picketing of Woolworth's George Street store, with contingents of placard waving protesters walking through the store making their demands known to shoppers.

CFMEU NSW construction division secretary Andrew Ferguson pointed out that the victory demonstrates the value of decisive union action. "It also shows the value of combined worker and student activity, and the union is very appreciative of all the people who joined our demonstrations", Ferguson said.

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.