Around 500 Visy workers across Australia went on strike on Monday, angry at the company’s bid to undermine their job security in the latest round of enterprise bargaining. 
 


From 6am the workers protested outside the gates of Visy operations in Smithfield, NSW, Dandenong, Victoria, Carole Park, Queensland and O’Connor, WA. 
 


According to Visy Dandenong delegate Wayne Maslen the workers were left with little choice. 
 


“For too long we’ve been ignored. This was the only way to send a clear message to management. Start listening to people,” he said.
 


Over the past two and half months the AMWU has sought to reach an agreement with Visy that would include a comprehensive dispute resolution clause, fair pay increase over three years and the introduction of a heat policy.
 


Those submissions have been rejected. 
 


“We have tried to engage and negotiate with Visy, they have now closed the door on the negations,” AMWU National Secretary Printing Division Lorraine Cassin said.
 


“Visy have tried everything in their power to whittle down the job security of our members and introduce a cheaper casual workforce across the country. 
 


“We are calling on Visy to return to the negotiating table, genuinely and in good faith.” 
 


Mr Maslen says the workers have had enough.
 


“We want to know why workers at other Visy sites have been offered pay increases. Why dispute resolution mechanisms are being taken away.


“This decision hasn’t been taken lightly (the industrial action), it won’t be easy on the workers financially. But the consequences to lie down and be walked on would be even worse,” he said. 



The industrial action will continue from this Friday, as workers in Victoria and NSW undertake indefinite strike action.