News
Amcor workers in WA take industrial action for new union agreement
Aug 21, 2008 
Workers are united in their efforts to win a collective agreement through the union at Amcor.
Stalled negotiations for a new union collective agreement at Amcor Beverage Cans in Canningvale, West Australia, are forcing workers to take their first ever industrial action this week.
Workers and the AMWU have been negotiating with the company for a better deal since February with very little progress.
AMWU WA organiser Justine Kamprad said that the sticking points are pay and working conditions.
“They are offering half the pay rise that members are seeking and they want to make major changes to working conditions which none of the workers agree with.”
The company is pushing for workers to be stood down without pay if there is a breakdown in the plant, which would erode the security workers need to pay regular bills and make mortgage payments.
The other major issue is that the company wants a 12-month agreement instead of the usual two or three year agreements that are common in the industry.
Ms Kamprad said that workers at Amcor receive an hourly rate that is lower than industry standards which is supplemented by allowances.
“They want their rate to be brought up so that it’s on par with the rest of the industry, but the managers are playing hardball.”
Ms Kamprad said the workforce at Amcor are very flexible and there was no need for further changes to working conditions pushed by the company that would do nothing but disadvantage the workers.
The protected industrial action involves a series of three 12-hour stoppages this week with the last one taking place on Friday.
Ms Kamprad said the AMWU members had received support from other workers, which had lifted their spirits.
“They were apprehensive about taking action. Naturally, no worker likes to lose pay and this was a difficult decision for them, but they are serious about protecting their hard won conditions and they are all totally fed up with the lack of progress.”
Contact Person: Justine Kamprad
Contact Email: news@amwu.asn.au