Workers at Forgacs in Brisbane and Newcastle took protected industrial action yesterday as negotiations over a new collective agreement stalled.

The main sticking point is an offer by the company to give a higher pay rise to a select few workers of their choosing and 2.5% lower to the rest of the workforce.

AMWU organiser Don Sutherland who is coordinating the negotiations for the union said that workers had resoundingly rejected this offer.

“Over 90% of the workers voted to take action to progress their claim and to send a message to the company that they will not agree to this offer which discriminates between workers.”

Mr Sutherland said the workers are very angry with the company as negotiations have been going for two months and there is nothing to compel the employer to move forward in good faith.

“We’re doing this under WorkChoices and if the company doesn’t want to move, then legally they don’t have to.”

More workers have joined the union since the negotiations began as the union seeks to improve the pay and conditions of casual workers and apprentices.

“The company pays the apprentices way below the metal industry relativities. The same also applies to the skilled workers.

“Management have complained to us that they can’t get and retain skilled staff, but that’s because they don’t pay them enough.”

Workers in Brisbane and Newcastle attended the four hour stop work meeting yesterday where resolutions were passed condemning the discriminatory wage increases and calling on the company to negotiate in good faith.

“The workers also resolved to take more industrial action if the company continued to take this belligerent approach.”