Wilmar workers strike enters third week, stoppages planned despite mediation

In a pre-emptive move, union organisers plan a second strike for the days before and after a bargaining session, but is a settlement likely?

The outlook is bleak for an upcoming bargaining session between Wilmar Mills and its striking workers, with more industrial action pencilled in for the day after.

A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson said that despite mediated meetings, the unions will be proceeding with two more days of stoppages.

Already planning to strike the day before the May 22 meeting, this action comes as a clear escalation to the ongoing protected action.

“It is disappointing that unions are persisting with industrial action, despite the EA negotiations continuing and the Fair Work Commission monitoring progress,” the Wilmar spokesperson said.

“A Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission has scheduled a meeting for both parties to report back to the Commission on 28 May.”

According to Mackay region Australian Manufacturing Workers Union organiser Aaron Neary, the additional work stoppage has been planned in “anticipation of another insulting offer from Wilmar”.

The slogan 'not sweet enough' is in reference to Wilmars offer of a pay increase that workers felt wasn't up to scratch. Photo: Fergus Gregg

At a meeting between union delegates and Wilmar representatives on May 13 the gap between both parties shrank to eight per cent.

Union organisers said they dropped their requested increases from 25 per cent to 22 per cent over 3 years while Wilmar tabled a revised offer of 14.25% in wage increases over four years, up from 13.75 per cent.

A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman indicated that the union’s counter proposal included log items attached which added up to a 25 per cent increase.

Mr Neary was not confident that a settlement would be reached on May 22 and indicated that the second strike was intended to prevent the sugar giant from returning to the bargaining table with “another silly offer”.

“There is the potential to escalate to increased industrial action,” Mr Neary said.

“Some of the workers are paid as little as $27 an hour.

“We’re only going to find out if the crush will be impacted if Wilmar plays ball.”