Further negotiations between Alcoa and the Australian Workers’ Union have led to concessions from the multinational company, with striking workers to vote on a revised Enterprise Bargaining Agreement next month.
Long-term negotiations between the parties have failed to deliver an outcome agreeable to both sides, with about 1600 workers going on indefinite strike as a result.
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Friday marks the 52nd day workers from Alcoa’s Pinjarra, Kwinana, Wagerup, Huntly and Willowdale facilities have been on strike.
AWU WA branch president Andy Hacking has previously said the strike is not about money, but preserving the job security workers have in their current agreement.
The story from both sides:
Alcoa managing director Michael Parker said the latest revised EBA would ensure employees were not made forcibly redundant by outsourcing their work or replacing them with limited-term or casual employees.
“Now we have addressed job security, we encourage the AWU to endorse the revised EBA and for our employees to return to work so they can restore their livelihoods,” he said.
“We thank those employees who have already returned and our dedicated teams who have kept our Western Australian operations running safely and productively during this difficult time.
“We want to resolve this matter so we can provide certainty to all parties and return our focus to remaining internationally competitive, attracting ongoing investment and providing secure and well-paid jobs now and for future generations.”
Mr Parker said employees would receive more information on the revised EBA in the coming days and weeks before voting in mid-October.
Mr Hacking confirmed the AWU would have a mass meeting on Friday to discuss the developments with members and more information would be available this afternoon.
Gareth McKnight
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
