Australian Workers Union members employed at Alcoa have voted to reject a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement from the company, despite it containing a number of job security clauses, the Mandurah Mail can reveal.
The union and company have been in long-term negotiations over a new EBA, with Alcoa seeking to update terms they have labelled ‘outdated’ and the AWU hoping to ensure job security.
About 1600 AWU members from Alcoa’s Pinjarra, Kwinana, Wagerup, Huntly and Willowdale sites were on strike for 52 days in August and September, during which time 80 per cent rejected a new EBA offer from the company.
After voting to end industrial action on September 28, the majority of those that took industrial action have returned to work in recent weeks.
The latest EBA offer contained clauses aimed at easing the union’s fears over job security and the threat of forced redundancies.
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However, with members voting on the offer this week, 61 per cent have opted to reject the new deal and only 39 per cent voted to accept it.
Negotiations will now resume between Alcoa and the AWU, while both parties are awaiting a decision from the Fair Work Commission to see if the company’s attempts to terminate the current EBA will be accepted or rejected.
An Alcoa spokeswoman said it was “unclear” why the employees voted against the EBA offer.
“The EBA specifically addressed job security concerns put to Alcoa by the AWU and included a commitment not to make employees forcibly redundant by outsourcing their work or replacing them with limited-term or casual employees,” she said.
“On this basis it remains unclear why the AWU did not endorse the agreement.
“The EBA also offered income growth on top existing competitive pay and conditions, including a 14 per cent superannuation contribution and income protection for up to two years in the event of extended illness.
“It maintained many of the provisions we know our employees value including a 36-hour work week and the opportunity to earn extra income through overtime.
“Our aim continues to be to establish a new EBA and we will now assess our next steps to achieve that goal.”
AWU WA branch secretary Mike Zoetbrood said the treatment of some of the union members on their return to work at Alcoa following the strike had added to the already strained relationship with the company.
“Our members have spoken,” he said.
“It is now time to try and find a resolution that brings the parties back together.”
Gareth McKnight
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
