A cheap sausage isn’t a pay rise
“Equal pay for equal work.” This old union slogan is what most at the Woolworths BLDC (Brisbane Liquor Distribution Centre) say when asked why they’re on strike.
Workers at this distribution centre are paid around 13 percent less than their comrades around the corner at Larapinta. They get 30 percent less than workers in Victoria.
From midnight on Thursday, 24 October, to Friday afternoon, around 100 took strike action for wage justice.
“Even though we lose a day’s pay, they (Woolworths) lose millions. The CEO of Woolworths got a 40 percent pay rise last year, the CFO got a 68 percent pay rise and the company made $2.3 billion. All we want is $5 an hour”, said Claudia, one of the strikers.
Workers reported that all Woolworths distribution centres in south-east Queensland used to be covered by the same agreement until their union, the SDA, let the company negotiate with each shed separately.
National Union of Workers delegate Mark Barclay explained the disparity: “They gave us an award and a barbecue for best distribution centre of the year, but then they won’t pay us the same as other centres. This just pissed everyone off and made them more angry at the company. A bit of steak and a cheap sausage isn’t a pay rise.”
Since leaving the SDA and joining the NUW, workers at the BLDC have gone about rebuilding rank and file unionism and strong delegate structures.
The workers held a protest at the site during the strike. Throughout the night an upbeat spirit dominated, with singing, joking and passing the footy. Many of the workers are Maori, and a hangi was brought to feed everyone.
Contingents from the ETU, United Voice, TWU, CPSU and the Queensland Council of Unions started showing up at around 5am, and the solidarity was warmly received. Around the same time, word came in that workers at the Woolworths Barnawartha shed in Victoria were also out on strike, and solidarity greetings were exchanged.
The experience of striking and standing with comrades made some of the workers more confident. Workers described a change in some of their workmates. Many who are often quiet at work were shouting loudly at scabs trying to get in when everyone else was out.
BLDC workers voted for another strike if Woolworths does not meet their demands. Overtime bans are planned in the meantime. Organised and united, these workers know that they can win and return to work with their heads held high.
