Alcoa has welcomed a decision by the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) to end its industrial action and urged them to accept a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement on the table.
The Mail broke the news on Friday that after 52 days of striking, about 1600 workers from the multinational company’s Pinjarra, Kwinana, Wagerup, Huntly and Willowdale facilities would return to work.
While the industrial action has ceased, AWU workers will now get the chance to vote on Alcoa’s latest EBA offer, which will take place in mid-October.
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Alcoa managing director Michael Parker said the revised EBA includes a commitment the company will not make employees 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 EBA,” he said.
“We thank our dedicated teams who have kept our Western Australian operations running safely and productively during this difficult time and now look forward to welcoming all employees back to work.
“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.”