2 November, 2023
Strike action escalates
Meat workers at NH Oakey Beef Exports went on strike for two 24-hour days recently as negotiations stalled between the executive and the union.
Returning to the Fair Work Commission for a conference with union representatives, Oakey Beef Exports increased the offer for the first year of its new enterprise agreement from 4.1% to 4.5%, above the projected rate of inflation.
Australian Meat Industry Employees Union branch organiser Ronnie Weston was present at the strike, and said that the company's offer may have been above inflation but did not line up with the national cost of living index.
“The Company wants a (pay) increase of 4.5%, 3.05%, 3% over the next three years,” he said.
“The Union went with a one-time offer of 5%, 4.75%, 3.75% which was rejected.
“Subsequently Union went back to (the original position) 5%, 4.99%, 4.95%.”
A locally-based Oakey Beef employee said it was time for a change to keep up with the cost of living.
“We’re being asked to continually do an extra hour of overtime a day, and work on five Saturdays,” she said.
“On top of that, they’re expecting us to work another three Saturdays.”
Four-hour stoppages are planned for today Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with more expected.
Oakey Beef Exports says it has made a final and improved pay offer to its workforce to resolve the industrial dispute, which has lasted for over a month.
Brett Williams, General Manager Oakey Beef Exports urged workers to accept the company’s offer.
“We want the best result for our workers, by boosting their pay and conditions, ending unnecessary conflict and enabling them and the company to focus on the future,” he said.
“We want our people back at work, with more money in their pockets and pay rates above what others in the industry receive,”
“This offer is reasonable and generous, an above inflation increase. Pay rises for the final two years of the agreement are also above projected inflation.”
Workers voted on Friday last week and Monday, Tuesday this week.
Oakey Beef has offered to immediately and fully back pay the increase to 21 June, but its offer will lapse if the pay rise is rejected.
