Iconic sweet treat in jeopardy over worker pay disputes

Those looking to treat themselves to celebrate the end of the week may struggle to find an iconic sweet treat on the supermarket shelves.

Sweet tooths will have a bitter taste in their mouths with an iconic supermarket treat being harder to find as workers strike over pay.

Food workers behind the iconic chocolate mudcake, as well as other baked goods for many major brands, walked off the job at Allied Pinnacle’s factory in Altona North in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The strike is a part of a planned 48-hour stoppage.

Staff are wanting a 15 per cent pay increase over three years but are being offered increases of 4 per cent, 3.75 per cent and 3.5 per cent each year.

Workers are striking for a better deal. Picture: Facebook

“The makers of the famous Coles chocolate mudcake are on strike,” the United Workers Union (UWU) wrote on social media.

“You’ve probably eaten what they bake, from Bakers Delight croissants to Woolworths muffins to cafe cookies. At the Altona factory, Allied Pinnacle workers produce baked goods that end up in thousands of stores and bakeries across the country.

“But while the products are everywhere, the workers behind them are being underpaid and disrespected.”

As of Thursday afternoon, 150 workers were carrying out day two of the strike to demand fair pay and equal treatment, the statement added.

UWU food and beverage co-ordinator Adam Auld said workers were not being offered a fair wage increase in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

About 15,000 Coles chocolate mudcakes are baked in the North Altona factory each day. Picture: Supplied

“Wage offers with a 3 or a 4 in front of them just don’t cut it in the face of food, housing, medical, petrol, school and care costs,” he said.

“This strike should send a clear message to senior management that workers need real wage increases and respect at a time of chronic financial stress for families.”

More than 16,000 chocolate mudcakes are baked in the North Altona factory each day, UWU confirmed.

Workers are also disputing nightshift allowances, claiming they are receiving 19 per cent while colleagues at other Allied Pinnacle worksites are taking home 30 per cent.

A spokesperson for Allied Pinnacle told NewsWire it respects the rights of its employees to engage in industrial action, and is committed to reaching a fair and sustainable agreement.

“Allied Pinnacle confirms that employee union members have commenced industrial action at the Altona site in Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

“Maintaining supply and service to customers is a key priority, and disruption is not anticipated at this stage.

“Given the sensitive nature of the industrial action discussions, no further detail can be provided at this time.”

No supply issues are expected at Woolworths and Coles at this stage.

Originally published as Iconic sweet treat in jeopardy over worker pay disputes