In an act of solidarity and determination, the members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) at B&D Doors in Kilsyth have taken to the grass for over a week of industrial action to protest the substandard and unacceptable pay offer from management.
As financial uncertainty continues to affect Australian families, the offered 3% pay increase per year falls far short of meeting the needs of the workers.
The Union has attempted to establish open lines of communication, but management remains unresponsive, further ignoring the workers' concerns.
Despite the challenges workers and their families face, B&D Doors and parent company DuluxGroup have failed to address their concerns and negotiate in good faith.
The current offer of a mere 3% annual increase was supposedly "sweetened" by including an elusive 1% bonus tied to unrealistic and unachievable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), further aggravating the situation. Moreover, the abrupt withdrawal of the sign-on bonus adds insult to injury.
"Workers have had enough of these unjust terms and conditions. We demand fair treatment and a living wage that acknowledges the economic uncertainties we all face.
"B&D Doors and DuluxGroup must reconsider their stance and return to the bargaining table with a deal that respects our contributions and the challenges we navigate daily," stated AMWU and Site Organiser Daniel Wessley.
The determination of the workers is unwavering. They are prepared to continue their action until a fair deal is secured. The AMWU reaffirms its commitment to its members and their fight.