Employer strikes back

GIPPSLAND Food Company has hit back at workers from the electrical department who went on strike last week, saying the company was “disappointed” by the protest.
A spokesperson for the company said that pay increases on the table for its maintenance employees was 3.5 per cent in the first year, followed by additional increases of 3.25 per cent in years two and three.
Workers went on strike on Wednesday and Thursday at the Pakenham facility.
“The majority of all other claims presented to the company have been accepted, with either none or minor variations made,” he said.
The spokesperson said the company was disappointed by the 48-hour stoppage and the current bans in place, but was continuing to run the plant and meet the needs of its customers.
“Any escalation in industrial action will create difficulties but the company will endeavour to minimise disruption to its manufacturing operations and work for production employees,” the spokesperson said.
“No further meetings are planned with the two unions heading the dispute – the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union (AMWU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU).
“The dispute comes at a time when food processing in Australia is under intense pressure.”