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Low paid packaging manufacturers from Melbourne’s south-east have secured a major pay rise of up to 10 percent through their first union collective agreement.



AMWU Victorian organiser, Jody Betzien, said the workers at box and pallet company, CMTP, joined the union seeking a better deal after bargaining by themselves last year failed to deliver any results.



“We had a large group of workers who joined our union straight away with the others following once negotiations began. They were determined to get a pay rise – as it was pay rates were all over the place.



“Their new agreement now puts in place a proper classification structure and ensures all workers get a pay rise – with some getting up to 10 percent in the first year of the agreement.”



On top of the 10 percent pay increase in the first year, a second year increase of four and half percent was also won. 



Mr Betzien said not only had the union-negotiated agreement brought a pay increase but also important new conditions to the workplace.



“Long service leave will be paid after seven years. We’ve secured clauses for rights to union representation and health and safety reps. There are also big improvements in the redundancy provisions.



“Our members won this agreement with strong delegates who stood their ground in negotiations. It’s really pleasing to see them achieve this result.”



AMWU delegate, Jacinta Jeffrey, a quality control worker, said the idea of taking collective action was new to the workers.



“They did look into joining a union a few years ago – but we were essentially warned off joining. Most of us were casual at the time and we didn’t know our rights. I think people have got to be educated the right way.”



“I’ve been with the company full time for seven years in December. It’s worked out well for a number of us who’ll now be eligible for long service leave. It’s all fallen into place.



She said the agreement had been well received by the workers.



“Everyone is happy with the pay rise and the new conditions. They’re wrapped.”