13 December, 2023
Abattoir strike action lifts ahead of EBA vote
Workers at NH Foods Oakey Beef Exports have called off strike action after productive talks with management at the plant.
Strike action had taken place for several days over the last two weeks, and work at the plant was halted at times.
The decision meant that kill work restarted on Tuesday, and boning work got underway on Wednesday.
A vote on a revised Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) will take place on Monday.
Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union Branch Organiser Ronnie Weston said discussions had led to the decision to end the strike ahead of the vote.
“I had a meeting with the members (on Monday),” he said.
“They voted to lift the 24-hour stoppage.
“The company has lifted their first year offer to 4.75 per cent, and then 3.05 per cent for the second year.
“Eleven per cent extra for Saturday work.
“No junior wages, they are now going to be paid an adult wage.”
NH Foods Oakey Beef Exports Manager Brett Williams said work has returned to normal.
“An EBA vote will take place on Monday,” he said.
The dispute over the new EBA has been ongoing for months, and this is the first concession that the company has made.
It’s still below the union request of a pay increase of 5 per cent, 4.99 per cent and 4.95 per cent over the next three years to keep pace with the cost of living index.
The company has maintained the position that its offer of a wage increase is reasonable as it keeps pace with inflation.
