WA Linfox-Arnotts members celebrate back-pay win
Tuesday May 16, 2006
Members at Linfox-Arnotts in Western Australia are celebrating after receiving $15,000 in back-pay and more permanent employment positions.
The West Australian Branch and National Office recently negotiated the back-pay issue after it was determined that more than 10 employees at the site had not been paid their overtime meal allowance.
In all $15,000 worth of back-pay has been paid by the company, with members receiving anywhere between $800 and $1700 depending on the overtime worked.
Several casual members have also received permanency after it was determined that the company had failed to comply with the Collective Agreement provision requiring casuals with 26 weeks service be offered full-time employment.
These members now have greater job security and certainty thanks to the efforts of the WA Branch and National Office.
Site Organiser Peter Wells said the issues at the site came to light during one of his regular visits to Linfox-Arnotts.
He said a member approached him saying they had not been paid their overtime meal allowance, and further investigation showed it was a broader problem at the site.
Wells originally approached local management who promised to look into the issue; however, as time went on it transpired the problems went higher to the national office of the company, which is when the NUW National Office became involved.
Wells said the successful resolution to this issue showed the importance and benefits of regular visits to sites, and good Collective Agreements.
“This goes to show the value of a strong unionised workforce, with an excellent union-negotiated EBA, sticking together and fighting for their rights,” Wells said.
Last modified 2006-05-16 12:17 PM
