United Voice News
Breakthrough for Wattyl members
After three weeks of industrial action, Wattyl increased its wage offer to members and agreed to LHMU demands on redundancies.
After discussions with Wattyl, member meetings were held across the country and members agreed to accept a package negotiated at the 11th hour by delegates to resolve outstanding issues.
The decision to accept a much improved offer from Wattyl follows three weeks of protected action in eight worksites across Australia ending months of negotiations.
The offer includes pay increases for members over the life of the agreement.
3% + $500 sign on bonus - 1st year
3% - 2nd year
3.25% - 3rd year
These wage increases are higher than Wattyl’s original offer of 8.5% over the life of the agreement and the nominal expiry date is shorter.
After feeling the pressure, the company moved from its entrenched position on wages and also accepted members' determination to retain existing redundancy entitlements. Members were not prepared to accept a package which passed inferior redundancy provisions onto the next generation.
"Under the breakthrough proposal Wattyl members will receive their first pay increase from 1 August; with the $500 lump sum to be paid in the first pay period on or after the agreement is formally voted on and approved by members,” Sue Lines, LHMU Assistant National Secretary said.
"Wattyl members' determination and united approach have stood out since negotiations on a new agreement began last November. Because of their strength all can benefit from a fairer and frankly, more reasonable agreement. Whilst some members are disappointed in not achieving our claim of 4% per year over 3 years, members and delegates stood firm.
“Wattyl delegates have been fantastic in determining when industrial action would start and finish, communicating with members and being brilliant negotiators,” said Sue Lines.
