Press Release
Preston Motors’ workers begin strike against employer
Tuesday March 13, 2007
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NUW members at Preston Motors have set up a picket line at their site in Campbellfield
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Over 30 workers at Preston Motors in Campbellfield began a strike this morning (Tuesday, March 13) over the company’s continued refusal to negotiate a meaningful wage increase.
The National Union of Workers (NUW) and its members have been attempting to conclude a new Union Collective Agreement after the previous Agreement expired in September last year.
After offering numerous concessions to the company in an effort to remain at work, employees voted to begin the industrial action at 6am this morning.
NUW State Secretary Antony Thow said workers had no other option but to begin the action after the company proposed to increase wages by just $4 a week.
“The company’s offer of a four dollar a week increase – that wouldn’t even be paid week to week when employees actually need it but in two $100 increments – was simply unacceptable to our members,” Thow said.
“These workers have not received a pay rise for almost 18 months. And yet this has occurred during an explosion in the cost of living. Now they are being offered an increase that wouldn’t even buy a day’s bread and milk.
“In the year to December, the cost of food has risen by over eight per cent, the cost of health care by over five per cent, and education by over four per cent. These workers, many of whom have families, rightly decided $4 a week wasn’t a reflection of today’s cost of living or the effort they put in at work.”
Thow also said the employees made every effort to avoid industrial action.
“The workers at Preston posed several alternatives to the company in an effort to avoid a strike, which was always a last resort,” Thow said.
“This included more flexible hours to accommodate quieter periods, as well as concessions on the classification structure and the operation of overtime.
“When the company refused to consider these sensibly, it became clear they were simply trying to cut costs.
“Low-paid employees suffer anxiety and stress away from work which invariably has a negative impact on their productivity at work. Ultimately, the company’s wage offer is a bad business decision.
“I call on Preston Motors to make a genuine wage offer to the employees that help keep their business running. It is a simple step that will undoubtedly benefit both the workers and the company in the long run.”
Preston Motors is located at 1551 Sydney Road, Campbellfield for anyone wishing to assist the striking workers by joining the picket.
Last modified 2007-03-13 04:10 PM
