Cochlear workers today have finally won the right to be represented by the union of their choice after three years of campaigning to gain a collective agreement at the company.
 
The vote today in a ballot ordered by Fair Work Australia is expected to result in FWA ordering that the AMWU and Cochlear commence bargaining for a collective agreement.
 
“This is an important victory for the workers, who have voted five times for the right to be represented by their union in collective bargaining” said AMWU NSW Assistant Secretary Tim Ayres.
 
“Cochlear production workers are proud of the work that they do, and the contribution that they make to supplying these life-changing devices to the world – all they have asked for is the right to be represented by their union,” said Mr Ayres.
 
“The AMWU is very pleased with the result today, and we look forward to developing a constructive collective bargaining relationship with Cochlear and working hard with our members to build a better workplace.”
 
“Under the new legislation this vote restores the rights that John Howard’s WorkChoices legislation stripped away from them.”
 
“The AMWU is proud to represent this workforce, the majority of whom are women and from non-English speaking backgrounds, and who have clearly and repeatedly voted for the right to be represented by their union,” said Mr Ayres.