JULY 29, 2021 – Workers at McCain Foods in Tasmania have been locked out for the second time in two weeks.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is preparing to challenge the lawfulness of the lockout.
Workers at the plant and their union the AMWU say management have chosen to escalate the situation rather than resolve it in good faith by sitting down at the bargaining table.
Workers have called on the frozen food company to return to the bargaining table and consider pay rises and conditions including improved sick leave, underpayment protections and better conditions for apprentices.
AWMU workers are proud of the product they make and would never put that at risk.
Quotes attributable to AMWU State Secretary (Tasmania) John Short
“Locking workers out before they take industrial action is not a response it’s an act of aggression.
“Applying to suspend or terminate industrial action, when the only industrial action happening is their own is not only premature; it is disingenuous.
“It’s time for McCain Foods to cook up a better offer and stop freezing out the workforce.”
“It’s outrageous that McCain Foods workers in Tasmania make up to 15 percent less than their workmates on the mainland and have lesser conditions.
“McCain workers took a pay cut to help the company through COVID, and now they’ve been locked out – they deserve better.”