Communist Party of Australia

Workers at brewer Fosters who refused to accept contracts with a labour hire firm for less pay have returned to work with their pay and conditions in tact.

In February, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) members in the maintenance crew at Foster’s were told that they would no longer be employed by the company and would have to apply to labour hire company ABB for their jobs under less pay and inferior conditions.

AMWU organiser Chris Spindler said that after a month long protest, ABB has agreed to employ any worker from Foster’s who wants a job on the same rates and conditions.

“We got a good deal for the workers. It goes to show that we do not have to accept what the boss offers and we can resist successfully. In the end we have secured all the conditions and rates of pay and continuity of employment.”

Mr Spindler said that a number of workers have left the company or have found other jobs as a result of Fosters’ actions, but those who want a job with ABB will have one.

“The action we took was totally successful in securing this outcome. As a result of staging this protest none of the workers were available to perform their duties and the company realised it needed their skills and expertise.”

There were break-downs in machinery and production at the plant.

“They realised that they couldn’t run the plant without the workers that they had sacked. And the same workers were refusing to apply for the jobs with ABB.”

The workers, some of whom had been with the company for more than 20 years, were shocked and appalled when the company told them they would no longer be employed with Foster’s and would have to apply for their jobs with ABB.

“This is a company that made more than $700 million profit last year. There was no economic reason for making this move.”

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