Local community joins protest against Preston Motors
Wednesday March 28, 2007
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Protestors outside Preston Motors in Essendon
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Concerned community members have begun rolling protests outside Preston Motors sites across Melbourne after the company’s refusal to negotiate a wage increase for its warehouse employees.
Community protests took place outside the company's Campbellfield and Essendon dealerships on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The protests drew attention to the company's treatment of its employees.
Preston Motors’ warehouse employees have also been protesting for nearly two weeks in an effort to negotiate a new Collective Agreement.
The company offered workers a pay rise equivalent to just four dollars a week as part of the new Agreement, effectively a pay freeze.
NUW Assistant Secretary Esmond Curnow said that Preston employees would not accept low wages when the workers themselves were vital to the company’s health.
“Every company stands or falls on the effort of their employees.
“These workers have already gone close to a year and a half without a pay rise despite the company continuing to make money. Now they are being asked to go another year without any noticeable increase to their wages.
“Many of these workers have families and the company’s offer simply doesn’t reflect the current cost of living.
“I think many of Preston Motors’ potential customers will relate to what these workers are going through, and will be willing to do what they can to help the employees get back to work with appropriate wages and conditions.”
Last modified 2007-03-28 12:28 PM
