United Voice News
Paint workers on national stoppage over pay
Twelve workers at the Perth plant of paint manufacturer Wattyl, are taking part in a national stoppage for the rest of this week over a paltry pay and conditions offer from their employer.
The workers are protesting outside the Bayswater distribution centre where they work after Wattyl refused to budge on a national pay offer of 2.5%, 3% and 3%.
Matthew Nugent, who works at the plant said: “We are taking the action for a living wage.
“Wattyl’s offer comes in below the actual cost of living rises in this state at the moment. We are not being greedy we just want to be able to make ends meet, not go backwards.”
The workers are seeking a three year agreement effective from February 2010 with wage increases of 4% per year. This is consistent with the previous agreement and keeps the workers a little ahead of the cost of living.
The workers took protected industrial action in early July in the form of a 24 hour stoppage, and up to this week continued with daily stoppages of up to four hours at various Wattyl locations across Australia.
This week’s stoppage began on Monday after agreement from Wattyl workers nationally
Carolyn Smith, assistant secretary of the LHMU said: “These workers have waited patiently for many months for a decent outcome to these negotiations and they want a resolution.
“But Wattyl’s offer is unacceptable because of the huge rises in utility bills and the general cost of living our workers are having to afford.
“Wattyl’s shareholders were offered $1.67 per share by US corporation Velspar recently, compared to a share price of around $0.70 before the original offer. This is a real vote of confidence in the future of Wattyl, so why can’t some of this confidence be shared with Wattyl workers?”
