Retailers will pass costs onto consumers if processors dump supplies as a result of the strikes
Unions are threatening more industrial action in the dairy sector, meaning consumers are set to pay more for milk, cheese and yoghurt.
Victoria
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Victorian families cannot afford to pay an extra cent at the checkout for milk, cheese and yoghurt, as a result of protracted strikes between 1550 dairy workers and their employers, social service advocates warn.
Milk processors are being urged to redouble their negotiation efforts and secure a deal, as unions threaten to disrupt the supply chain with more rolling strikes.
The Herald Sun on Thursday revealed several retailers were imposing limits on the amount of milk that could be purchased as Victorians started panic buying amid fears extended industrial action could lead to shortages.
Retailers have confirmed they will pass costs onto consumers if processors dump their supply as a result of the strikes.
VCOSS interim CEO Juanita Pope said milk shortages could push up the cost of dairy products and “we can’t have young kids and older Victorians going without milk”.
“Victorian families are already struggling, and can’t afford an extra cent at the checkout,” she said.
“These companies should redouble their negotiation efforts, work with the union and strike a deal.”
More than 1400 employees across four processors and 13 sites will resume work on Friday following a 48-hour strike.
Their action comes after milk tank drivers concluded their 48-hour strike on Thursday.
But both the Transport Workers Union and United Workers Union are threatening further action, which could put the supply chain under further strain, with dairy farmers already dumping thousands of litres of milk due to the strikes.
UWU national secretary Tim Kennedy said it was time for the companies to come to the table with a fair offer.
“There will now be talks with the major dairy processors to see if they are finally willing to pay dairy workers what they need to keep up with the cost of living in their regional centres,” Mr Kennedy said.
“It will be up to members to decide what action to take next, and they have already voted for the option of rolling 24-hour stoppages in this dispute.”
The Herald Sun understands milk processing workers are demanding a 5 per cent pay rise each year for three years.
But companies are only offering 10 per cent over three years.
Dave Chapman, worker at Peter’s Icecream in Mulgrave, said they would continue fighting for an increase that acknowledged the affect inflation has had on real wages.
“We’ve had 12 mortgage rate rises we’ve had to deal with plus it’s also the price of food going through the roof,” Mr Chapman said.
“Everyone is doing it tough.”
Victorian Labor Senators Raff Ciccone and Jana Stewart on Thursday posted pictures on social media saying they stood in solidarity with truck drivers employed by dairy processor Saputo.
“Saputo is a very successful company, and all these workers are simply asking for is job security, safety and a fair EBA,” Senator Ciccone said.