Unionists lend a hand at Preston Motors
Thursday March 22, 2007
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Workers voice their opposition to the tactics of Preston Motors
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Workers from across Melbourne have thrown their support behind NUW members currently protesting outside Preston Motors in Campbellfield.
Operating under the name Union Solidarity, the workers joined the community protest at the Kia and Mitsubishi dealership this morning (Thursday, March 22).
Union Solidarity’s support gave a huge boost to the protesting members, who have now been in dispute with the company for nine days.
NUW members at Preston Motors began the protest last Tuesday after the company refused to negotiate a reasonable wage increase with their employees.
Before the protest, the company offered the workers a pay rise of just four dollars a week. The company also proposed paying the increase in two separate payments rather than week-to-week.
With large increases in the cost of living over the past year, the workers rightly decided that the company’s offer – effectively a pay freeze – was unacceptable; particularly after making every effort to avoid a community protest.
Assistant State Secretary Esmond Curnow said the workers at Preston had little choice but to continue community action.
“Until the company’s offer better reflects the significant contribution their workers make to the business, as well as the current cost of living, the employees really have no other choice than to remain outside the gates,” he said.
With the protest now into its second week, Curnow said the efforts of Union Solidarity were much appreciated by the members at Preston Motors.
“Taking action is always difficult; especially for workers who haven’t been involved in a community protest before.
“But having the support of other union members who know how hard it can be makes a huge difference to the morale of all the workers involved, and only strengthens their resolve to continue their campaign.
“I have no doubt the workers at Preston will be successful. When they are, they will have their friends at Union Solidarity to thank.”
Preston Motors is located at 1551 Sydney Road Campbellfield for anyone interested in assisting the members. Help is welcome day or night.
To see the latest photos of the campaign at Preston Motors, simply go to the photo gallery section of the NUW website.
Last modified 2007-03-22 02:20 PM
