BUSINESS disruption continues for cane workers with another planned stoppage due to take place at all Wilmar’s Mills today (Wednesday, July 24) including the Proserpine Mill.
Workers and management are still at loggerheads over pay, despite many months of negotiations and meetings between Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), which is representing workers.
Both sides seem unable to agree.
A statement issued by Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, on Friday (July 19, 2024), read:
‘Unions have joined Wilmar Sugar and Renewables in accepting an offer from the Fair Work Commission to assist in resolving a long-running enterprise agreement dispute.
‘The Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Australian Metal Workers Union (AMWU) and Australian Workers Union (AWU) informed Wilmar this morning that, following consultation with members, they were willing to participate in the Commission process.
‘A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the company hoped the unions’ agreement to accept the Commission’s offer of assistance would pave the way to reaching an enterprise agreement that is fair, reasonable and sustainable for all parties.
‘We are optimistic that, with the expert help of a Commissioner from the Fair Work Commission, we will finally be able to close the gap between the company’s offer and union claims.’
However, according to the AMWU, the one-hour stoppage was going ahead on Wednesday, as planned, across all mills.
“Our members have seen a 5.5 per cent wage increase, since 2020, while the Sugar Industry Award has increased by 18.35 per cent in the same period,” AMWU Communications and Campaigns Officer Angus Haigh said.
“This disparity needs to be addressed to maintain fair wages and working conditions.
“While our members are not paid at award rates, they have spent decades negotiating fair wages and the recent increases under the award are outpacing their own wage increases.
“We urge Wilmar Sugar to address these issues promptly to ensure a fair resolution for all parties involved.”
