Fight against AWA's

indonesia / philippines / australia | workplace struggles | non-anarchist press Saturday April 14, 2007 17:15 by Staunchie

In construction industry

A community protest in Somerton, Melbourne, Australia

An unlucky day for Coles Myre at their distribution centre in Sommerton. A community assembly successfully stopped all deliveries in and out. The centre's deliveries were stopped until 10am. Metal construction workers at the Coles Myer Distribution Centre in Somerton are currently staging a community protest for the right to work under the correct award.


The workers were forced onto AWA's and have now resigned. Help them fight to get their jobs back under award conditions.


Fight against AWA's in construction industry
Community Assembly Shuts Deliveries
6am-10am Friday 13 Coles Myer Distribution Centre Union Rd, Somerton (Melway 180 C9)


Metal construction workers at the Coles Myer Distribution Centre in Somerton are currently staging a community protest for the right to work under the correct award. The workers were forced onto AWA's and have now resigned. Help them fight to get their jobs back under award conditions.


They are being ripped off. Furthermore and more importantly workers on site have also been disrespected and discriminated against, and health and safety has been appalling. Workers raising legitimate health and safety issues have been relocated and even dismissed.


Coles Myer, Schaefer and Busicom Solutions are seeking to take full advantage of the Howard Governments IR laws to undermine conditions that workers have fought for and achieved.


Some of the conditions lost
Less than $18.00 per hour as Casuals


* Less than the Australian Fair Pay Commission Standards

* No annual leave, sick or personal leave, long service leave compassionate leave or redundancy.


Ripped off on overtime payments


* First 3 hours – 1.4 times instead of time and a half

* After 3 hours – 1.8 times compared to the standard double time

* Sundays – 1.8 times not double time

* Public Holidays – 1.4 times not 2.5 times