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IFF factory workers strike

 

https://insidefmcg.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/axstj-contractimg_9501-stj-1013-1154.jpgWorkers have occupied a Dandenong factory lunch room in a dispute over a new workplace agreement.

The strike is taking place at International Flavors and Fragrances Inc (IFF) and is supported by the National Union of Workers.

Union delegate Arthur Ingles, told AAP that workers had been in talks with the company about a new workplace agreement, but IFF “made an offer that gutted our conditions”.

“And in all the discussions we have been unable to get any movement from them, we’ve been prepared to negotiate,” he said.

Workers decided to take protected action and stopped all paperwork starting on Tuesday morning, but when they arrived at work before 6am, they were given notices of an indefinite lockout.

More than 50 staff had a meeting in the lunch room, and have been there since.

“Good faith should not be a concept. It should be a reality,” Ingles said.

“We are now negotiating with police about whether we should leave or stay here.”

Workers have given a manifest to Fair Work Australia that lists their demands, including no erosion of conditions and a right to work without intimidation.

Those inside the lunch room have taken to Twitter to get their message across using the hashtag #occupydandenong.

AAP

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