Dandenong Visy workers returned to work this week after two weeks of strike action over an enterprise bargaining agreement. 57638
By Bridget Cook
DANDENONG Visy workers returned to work on Monday following two weeks of strike action, after the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) reached an agreement with Visy management.
Visy and the AMWU returned to the bargaining table on Tuesday last week, following a chaotic day of protest on Monday 13 December resulting in 29 arrests.
After four days of talks, the AMWU secured a satisfactory enterprise bargaining agreement on Friday.
Dandenong Visy plant workers will receive 4.5 per cent pay rise each year for three years, a dispute resolution clause, increased manning levels and an agreement not to freeze the pay of casual workers.
AMWU National Print Division secretary Lorraine Cassin said workers were pleased the dispute was over and that they had been able to maintain casual wage rates.
“Our members stood strong and have achieved an outcome that they are happy with,” she said.
“During negotiations since Tuesday, the company also moved on the issue of money and we have been able to secure several improvements including delegates’ rights.”
The strike action was taken over an enterprise bargaining agreement, with Visy rejecting key additions to their employment agreement.
The previous enterprise bargaining agreement expired on September 30.
The AMWU sought to reach an agreement with Visy that would include a comprehensive dispute resolution clause, fair pay increase over three years and the introduction of a heat policy. Those submissions were rejected.
About 100 Dandenong Visy workers joined about 400 Visy workers nationwide in a 24-hour stop work on Monday 29 November, and took indefinite strike action from Friday 3 December.
Last Monday, police arrested 29 people outside the Dandenong plant as they moved in to break up a five-day picket line set up by workers.
The 29 workers arrested have been charged with creating an undue obstruction and besetting the premises.
After being taken to the Dandenong Police Station for questioning, they were bailed to appear in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court in February 2011 on condition that they did not return to the site.
The Dandenong Visy factory was basically non-operational since protests began.
