Tasmanian workers are calling for mainland rates of pay as dozens of Saputo Dairy workers rally at the processor’s Burnie site in North-West Tasmania.
The maintenance crew at Burnie have been taking protected industrial action, with no pay, for over three months straight.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) and the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) are calling for pay parity for the maintenance workers at the Burnie site, who are paid 23.5% less than their Victorian counterparts.
Canadian diary manufacturer, Saputo, is one of the largest dairy processors in the country but its Australian division has so far failed to offer Tasmanian workers a fair deal despite multiple negotiation attempts by striking AMWU and CEPU workers, with bargaining ongoing since August 2023.
The media and members of the community are invited to attend the press conference on Tuesday 27 August at 12.30pm outside Saputo’s Burnie factory at 145 Old Surrey Road, Havenview as workers take a stand.
AMWU Tasmanian State Secretary Jacob Batt:
“It would be disappointing if any replacement workers chose to enter the factory. We would view any business or worker acting as a strike-breaker as undermining Tasmanian workers who are seeking fairness with their mainland colleagues.”
"It's disappointing that a permit from Burnie City Council for a 24/7 picket was granted, yet within hours the council succumbed in favour of multinational Saputo to make the permit unworkable. We feel for the Burnie Council, a city with a proud union history of unionism such as the Battle of Burnie with the Pulp, and would hope the local council decides to stand for workers — the same way the Burnie community, the Tasmanian community, and the House of Assembly have."
CEPU Tasmanian State Secretary Michael Anderson:
"Saputo have not only disrespected it’s Tasmanian workers leading to this strike, they have also disrespected Tasmanian farmers by cutting their milk price by about 15%.”
"'Now that the milk season is upon us, Saputo's anti-Tasmanian position of starving out its employees who seek to have the company uphold its own stated politics of fairness and equality will be plain to see for all Tasmanian businesses and farmers."
ACTU President Michele O’Neil:
"The strength and determination of Saputo workers is inspiring, and the union movement will stand with them every step of the way until they receive the pay they deserve."
"It's unacceptable that workers in Burnie are paid 23.5% less than their Victorian counterparts for doing the same work. This is yet another case of corporate greed at the expense of hardworking Australians who are facing cost-of-living pressures."
"If Saputo wants to be respected by local communities and consumers, they need to treat their Tasmanian workers with dignity and offer them a fair pay deal."
Media contact: Sonia Feng, 0478 599 580