Industrial action at a key Newcastle rail maintenance facility is set to disrupt the festive season, with workers vowing to continue their strike through Christmas and potentially into the new year.
Pay Dispute Escalates Over Cost of Living
About 100 Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) members employed at Downer EDI's Cardiff rail workshop rallied outside their workplace on Friday, marking the 10th consecutive day of strike action. The workers are locked in a bitter pay dispute with the company, seeking substantial wage increases to combat rising living costs.
The union's claim is for a 21.5 per cent wage increase over four years, or alternatively, an 18 per cent rise over three years. In contrast, Downer EDI has tabled an offer of 14 per cent over four years, which the company planned to put to a vote on Friday.
AMWU state organiser Nathan Clements expressed confidence that the offer would be "overwhelmingly rejected" by the workforce. He stated the union's position is a direct response to inflationary pressures.
"Our wage claim is a reflection of what has happened over the last four years with the cost of living and inflation. It's basically a desire to catch up," Mr Clements said.
Strike Action to Stretch Past the Holidays
The union has confirmed that the strike will continue at least until Christmas, with no resolution in sight. Mr Clements indicated that a decision on whether to resume industrial action in the new year would be made after further consultation with members.
"We will come back in the new year and have a conversation with the members about whether they want to return to work in the new year," he explained.
Despite the escalating action, workers have not been locked out of the Cardiff workshop. The dispute began with a series of work bans before escalating to full strike action after management refused to accept partial bans.
Comparisons to Other Deals Fuel Discontent
The union has criticised Downer's offer as inconsistent, pointing to a more favourable deal secured by another group of the company's employees.
"Downer's offer also flies in the face of the fact that they gave their power workers 15 per cent over three years," Mr Clements noted, highlighting the disparity as a key point of contention for the rail workshop staff.
The ongoing industrial action at the Cardiff facility, a significant maintenance hub, underscores the growing tensions between labour and management in the manufacturing and transport sectors amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Downer EDI was approached for comment on the situation.
