Dairy Workers To Walk Off Job In 48 Hour Strike

Over 1,400 dairy workers are set to walk off the job this week in a push for better working conditions. 

The strike will include workers from Saputo, Peters, Lactalis and Fonterra in a bid to attain better pay and conditions. 

The strike will begin on Wednesday and is expected to last for 48 hours. 

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The VIC Briefing – keeping you in the loop with the region’s breaking news as it hits.

 According to national secretary Tim Kennedy, the workers are pushing for a pay increase amid the current cost of living crisis. 

“Workers don’t make this decision lightly,” he told The Canberra Times.

“They’re not even asking for a wage increase that matches inflation, just five per cent or so that gets them a little closer to being able to keep up with skyrocketing costs.”

Workers are also asking for personal leave and community service leave. 

Fonterra director Rob Howell said that while some minor disruptions are expected, the company will do all they can to ensure dairy products are still sent out and received.

“Our farmers will continue milking and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that their precious, perishable milk can be collected and not wasted,” he told AAP. 

Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on Listnr today. The Briefing serves up the latest news headlines and a deep dive into a topic affecting you. All in under 20 minutes.