If these fat lazy bastards running the union saw work in bed, they would sleep on the floor
MEATWORKERS at JBS Australia's Nerimbera plant have voted to strike for four hours tomorrow after 12 months of wage negotiations failed to reach agreement.
However, JBS will close the plant for the full day.
The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union claimed workers had been locked out all day, but JBS Australia director John Berry said it just wasn't economically viable to operate the plant for four hours.
Mr Berry said yesterday he believed they had a good offer, but they were not supporting the AMIEU's 4% wage claim, instead offering 3% a year over three years.
Queensland branch secretary of the AMIEU Bruce Crawford said a ballot earlier this month showed that 85% of members were in favour of protected industrial action.
However, Mr Berry said that figure represented fewer than 50% of total workers.
"Subsequent to that, no decision was made on the type of action, when or how long.
The consultative committee made that decision without consulting the rank and file," he said.
"I think the important thing here is the action of the unions and consultative committee means a day's pay has been lost."
The AMIEU maintains its 4% wage claim is moderate, reasonable and affordable.
"The remainder of conditions brings meatworkers at Fitzroy River into line with what other major meat processing employers currently meet," said Mr Crawford.
AMIEU members will meet at Browne Park tomorrow to try to resolve the dispute.
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Source: Argentine Beef Packers S.A.
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