Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union

 

Boss sees the light on casualisation

Workers at Thorn Lighting in Sydney are celebrating after forcing their employer to accept a deal on better wages, which also gives improved job security. 

The AMWU members took protected industrial action after months of negotiations saw management refuse to come to the table on their key issues.

The heart of the dispute was around casualisation.

Jagath1.jpg

Lightening strike: members of the AMWU and other unions outside Thorn Lighting at Wetherill Park, during a visit from NSW State Secretary Tim Ayres (centre).

 Like many workplaces, the Thorn Lighting employees have seen a massive increase in the number of labour hire casuals on-site.

The workers decided they had to make a stand, insisting that their EBA specify that labour hire casuals be paid site rates plus a casual loading rather than the base award rate the company was pushing for.

"There are more benefits like annual leave and sick leave being a permanent employee," said AMWU member Sonia Pomida. "The company wanted to bring in casuals to do our jobs. That's why we went on strike."

When management refused to budge, the workers voted for industrial action.

What was originally intended as a single-day strike was extended when management refused to give ground.

Delivery trucks and couriers refused to cross into the plant, which helped to encourage management to come to the table.

After five days on strike, the workers won all of their demands including an eight per cent pay rise over three years, no grandfathering of conditions and, crucially, labour hire being paid at site rates.

The workers, who assemble high-tech lighting for factories and commercial premises, credit their victory to the strength of their union membership. 

Share on

Media releases

May 26, 2025

Defence shipbuilders strike over pay as BAE bosses pocket millions

More than 400 critical defence shipbuilders at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide are walking...


Mar 17, 2025

OVER 500 DEFENCE WORKERS STAGE MASSIVE WALK-OUT OVER WAGES AS BAE AUSTRALIA MANAGEMENT ADDRESSES WORKFORCE

Hundreds of critical defence shipbuilders at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide are walking off the...


Mar 12, 2025

AMWU URGES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SHIFT INDUSTRY POLICY AFTER US STEEL, ALUMINIUM TARIFFS

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is urging the federal government to shift gears on...