Australia: IUF calls for negotiations as Saputo strike continues after three months

Maintenance workers in Burnie, Tasmania, from IUF affiliate Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) alongside the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU), have been striking for over three months against Canadian dairy manufacturer Saputo.

AMWU and CEPU are demanding recognition of their skills through establishment of pay parity with SAPUTO sites in mainland Australia. Since the strike began, local management from Saputo Dairy Australia (SDA) have refused to engage in good faith negotiations, changing proposals already on the table.

• The IUF has called on Saputo senior management in Canada to intervene urgently to bring this dispute to a close
• The IUF has further clarified that attacks on rights are antithetical to the fundamental principles and rights at work as defined by the ILO
• With Saputo's reported revenues of $4.5 billion and earnings of $379 million, Saputo must put people before profits, return to negotiations, and settle a fair contract

IUF General Secretary Sue Longley stated, "After 3 months of intense struggle, it's past time for serious negotiations. We call on Saputo's Canadian leadership to intervene, to return to the table and to negotiate a fair contract for these brave and committed workers."