Australian Workers Union (AWU) members employed at Alcoa's West Australian operations have voted to accept a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, the company has confirmed.
The multi-national company has been involved in a standoff with the union for over two years, with terms of a new deal for workers a major sticking point.
The failure to agree terms resulted in about 1600 workers from Alcoa's Pinjarra, Kwinana, Huntly, Willowdale and Wagerup facilities going on strike for 52 days last year.
However, despite the Fair Work Commission getting involved as the previous agreement wound down to conclusion, the parties have remained at odds in recent months.
Alcoa have called for a new, more-modern EBA to give the company flexibility in terms of running its workforce, while the union has campaigned for job security for its members.
Alcoa vice president of operations Michael Gollschewski said the company was looking forward to moving past the distractions of the past and working with its employees to rebuild a strong and more united team.
"I am committed to working with everyone across our locations to ensure we are all working towards the same end point - safe and sustainable operations," he said.
The EA will now be submitted to the Fair Work Commission for ratification.
AWU WA state secretary Brad Gandy said 73.4 per cent of the workforce voted in favour of the new agreement.
"The proposed agreement went out to the membership a couple weeks ago and we allowed our members to have their say,"
"Clearly, 73 per cent voting in favour is a pretty strong endorsement.
"It is the right thing to do to let democracy play out."
Gareth McKnight
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
Gareth McKnight is Mandurah Mail's editor.
