Thousands of AMWU Victorian members will be better off after securing pay rises and income protection in the state’s latest bargaining round.

AMWU Assistant Victorian Secretary, Leigh Diehm, described the bargaining, which centered on several hundred of Victoria’s largest fabricators, construction and manufacturing companies as long and arduous but ultimately successful.

“We surveyed our members and key delegates back in February to find out what they wanted out of their new agreement.

“We began meeting with employers in March. The key priorities for our members and delegates were an increase in wages, increases to redundancy payments and assuring income protection provisions were in place.”

Pay rises, in particular, were fiercely fought for by the AMWU.

“The employers weren’t enthusiastic about the pay rises, but certainly in the fabrication and steel industries they eventually acknowledged (5%) was a reasonable standard.”

With most major agreements secured, Mr Diehm paid tribute to the role played by delegates in the bargaining process.  

“Delegates from the respective companies were invited to be involved in negotiations. They had their input and they gave their views.

“To me, they are always key players in any negotiation. They can give an overview on what is happening on the job and what will be accepted by the members.

“What’s coming back from the organisers since the negotiations have finished, is that our members and delegates are very happy with what we’ve been able to achieve together. Very happy to secure income protection and the pay rises.”

Mr Diehm, who previously oversaw significant growth as a regional organiser at the AMWU Wodonga Office replaced former Assistant Victoria Secretary, Gary Robb, in October.  

“Gary did a great job over the last six years, but there’s always room to grow our union. Recruitment will now be a key focus for us.

“I’d love to see us get more members, new factories, more agreements, and improved conditions.

“There is lot of growth potential in parts of regional Victoria and Melbourne. I’m ready for the challenge.”

Mr Diehm also highlighted occupational health safety as an issue that would receive renewed attention.

“We’d like to see a more diligent approach to safety from employers and a greater awareness of the dangers in our manufacturing and fabrication workshops as well as a more focused approach to keep our members safe on site.”