Workers to act during the crush

20th July 2009

BUNDABERG Sugar workers will ask Fair Work Australia for permission to take protected industrial action during the crushing season.

Australian Workers' Union organiser Tony Beers said workers were frustrated by management's approach to enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations, and about 200 workers resolved to take action at a rally on Saturday.

“The workers moved a vote of no confidence in the local management of Bundaberg Sugar,” he said.

“The workers will also issue an invitation to the Belgian owners to visit and personally intervene.”

Mr Beers said the union would seek crisis talks with Canegrowers as the planned industrial action would coincide with the crushing season.

He said workers were buoyed by the support of other sugar workers across Queensland.

“When the sugar price has been down, our members have shown good faith and acted in the best interests of the industry by exercising wage restraint,” he said.

“Now when sugar prices are the highest they've been for years, Bundaberg Sugar is asking workers to give away a long held entitlement.”