AFL facing Sherrin shortage ahead of finals due to pay dispute crisis

The AFL is facing a major crisis in the lead up to the 2024 finals series with a pay dispute hanging over the league’s head.

Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive Officer of the AFL speaks with media during the Toyota AFL Open Launch at Marvel Stadium on June 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL has an unwanted problem on their hands with a potential ball shortage set to hit ahead of the finals.

Sherrin workers are threatening to go on strike over a pay dispute following a proposed increase for the next two years.

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Channel 9 reporter Tom Morris broke the news on Thursday which stated the 15+ workers were offered a 4 per cent per annum increase but are chasing a 5 per cent per annum increase which would equate to 10 per cent across the two-year deal.

That equates to $45,000.

A Sherrin shortage could hit the AFL. Picture: Dean Martin

The staff are employed by US company Russell Athletic to hand stitch the footballs and the dispute has now landed with the Fair Work Commission.

The United Workers Union has filed for a protected action ballot order. Once approved they plan to engage in a protected industrial action unless a resolution is reached beforehand, according to Nine.

The company produce between 200-250 Sherrins per week for both the AFL and AFLW competitions. Even a few days off would lead to a shortage.

A Sherrin shortage could hit the AFL. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The report however did add that there is a backlog of footy’s to last roughly six weeks which would be on the eve of AFL finals.

A potential strike could impact the production of new balls with state of the art chips which are set to be trialled in the AFLW this year.

“Gil McLachlan’s salary last year was $33,653 per week without bonuses,” Steve Howie from United Workers Union said to Channel 9.

“So a pay rise for Sherrin workers would be equivalent to one week and two days salary of the AFL CEO.”

Originally published as AFL facing Sherrin shortage ahead of finals due to pay dispute crisis