September 29, 2023

Workers secure pay deal with Australia's largest poultry producer

Workers at Australia's largest poultry producer, Inghams, have successfully resolved a pay dispute that threatened the nation's chicken supply, news.com.au reported.

Workers at processing plants in Bolivar, South Australia, and Osborne Park, Western Australia, ended their strike action after reaching an in-principle agreement with Inghams.

Initially, over 1000 members of the United Workers Union (UWU) and Australian Manufacturing Workers Union had rejected a proposed three-year deal, which included a 3.9% pay increase in the first year and 3.5% in the following years.

However, Inghams management revised their offer, proposing a 5.12% increase in the first year and 4% increases in the subsequent two years. This revised offer was met with approval from the staff.

As part of the agreement, Inghams committed to improving labour hire practices, providing enhanced breaks, and conducting an audit of senior management behaviour.

Tim Kennedy, UWU national secretary, hailed the deal, noting that it would grant some of Australia's hardest workers an extra AUD 100 (~US$64.59; AUD 1 = US$0.65) per week. He praised the solidarity of the workers who played a crucial role in securing the agreement.

In the lead-up to the resolution, analysts had expressed concerns about potential chicken shortages and price hikes, particularly with the footy finals season approaching.

Inghams is a major supplier, accounting for around 40% of Australia's chicken production and serving well-known brands such as McDonald's, KFC, and Woolworths.

-      news.com.au