AMWU members at a juice factory in Victoria have experienced the sweet taste of success winning an improved union collective agreement.
The workers, from Golden Circle Mill Park in Melbourne’s outer north, have received a pay increase of 13 percent over three years and greater provisions for redundancy payments.
“Many of these workers are nearing retirement. Some have children or nieces and nephews that work at the factory,” said AMWU organiser Mary Churcher.
“It was important for them to achieve a good deal for the next generation of workers.“
The agreement will incorporate changes to casual employment, including a rise from $18 per hour to $29 and a clause to ensure those engaged longer than 9 months become permanent.
AMWU delegate Michael Purcell says the changes will provide security for both permanent and casual employees.
“Since the completion of negotiations morale has been really high. People are happy, they’re especially happy with the way the casual issue was handled.”
The agreement was a breakthrough for workers at the dispatch centre.
“For the first time, they will feature in the main site agreement and receive the same benefits as the other workers.”
Along with the inclusion of paid meal breaks and meal allowance, dispatch workers will receive one rostered day off (RDO) every month.
AMWU delegate and dispatch worker Lance Afitu is delighted with the new arrangement.
“The inclusion of the RDOs is really important. It gives you a chance to do things you never could before.
“In some cases it’ll give us the chance to spend time with our partners and families. That’s really important.”
The agreement has united the site’s diverse workforce with the inclusion of TSA, Metal and Food members together for the first time.
Both Lance and Michael believe the unified front shown in negotiating was critical in sealing a successful outcome.
“We worked together as team. We acted as a collective. It made us stronger and it got us the agreement we all wanted,” said Mr Afitu.