Workers from technology company NEC have been joined by more than one hundred neighbouring AMWU members at a Mulgrave business park in Victoria as they negotiate a fairer union collective agreement. 
 


NEC workers shared their concerns about the proposed new agreement over a lunchtime barbecue. In particular they are concerned that whilst the agreement proposed by NEC management offers a wage increase, it significantly waters down existing conditions. 
 


According to NEC employee and AMWU delegate Matthew White it is a significant downscale on existing arrangements. 
 


“No one has any complaints with the pay offer (four percent per year over three years.) But we’d like to keep our conditions and they’re determined to take some back.” Mr White said. 
 


Prior to NEC management’s proposed agreement, income protection had been guaranteed in for three years but under the current offer the insurer may terminate after twelve months.

Sick leave pay-outs upon resignation will also be removed for the majority of workers. 
 


The lunchtime barbeque brought neighbouring AMWU members together with NEC workers as they continue to fight for retainment of their conditions. 
 


AMWU delegate John Stobbie was one those workers who joined the barbeque in solidarity.
 
“Since we realised they were having trouble in their negotiations, we thought we’d come out and support them. This could happen to us very soon.”



AMWU National Industrial Officer Darren Hanisch was heartened by the turnout. 
 


“Today reinforces to the workers that they’re not alone. There are other people in this area who support their cause. 



“Today’s meeting sends a message to NEC management that they have got this wrong. They need to talk to us again.” Mr Hanisch said. 


 
The AMWU will continue negotiations with NEC management, with a formal proposed agreement expected to be handed to workers on Friday.