If it's WorkChoices then it's no choice!

Australian chewing gum giant Wrigley’s has issued maintenance workers at its Asquith plant with AWA’s, after walking away from negotiations with the the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.

AMWU Official, Michelle Burgess said:

“Wrigleys simply walked away from the negotiating table when workers would not agree to a massive wages cut.”

“The company claimed they needed to reduce costs to stay competitive and be more flexible. But they don’t have any competitors in Australia – they control the market!”

Michelle Burgess said that the company demanded:

• Reduced weekend penalty rates
• No more toilet and wash up breaks
• Halving shift penalty rates
• Reduced annual leave for shift workers

One Wrigleys worker said: “If this is what John Howard means by WorkChoices, then its no choice!”

“The company told us: ‘Either sign the AWA or keep our current Agreement - but you’ll never get another pay rise’. That’s not much of a choice.”