ABC reported that workers at the Nyrstar lead and zinc smelter at Port Pirie in South Australia are taking industrial action over a pay dispute.
The Australian Workers Union said that the protected action has approval from the Fair Work Commission. The workers are seeking 12% pay rise over 3 years but the union said that Nyrstar wants to put employees on individual performance contracts.
Mr Wayne Hanson official of the Union said that work bans are being applied including on overtime.
He said that “I think workers have got every right to be frustrated because they are just seeking to be treated like 98% of their fellow Australian workers. They want to be able to secure a guaranteed wages outcome instead of the company's position to determine wages on the basis of a whim and a prayer."
Mr Matt Howell MD of Nyrstar said that the blast furnace must be kept in operation. He said that pay negotiating will continue. I don't see this being necessarily a protracted situation; I don't think that's in the best interest of anyone.”
(Sourced from ABC.Net)
