Dairy workers at Parmalat's site at Longwarry, Victoria have been locked out indefinitely over a pay dispute.
The lockout and closure of the UHT milk and cream cheese facility commenced yesterday and affects around 50 full-time and casual workers, according to a Fairfax Media report.
Parmalat Australia described the industrial action, which was initiated by members of the National Union of Workers (NUW), as “irresponsible and unnecessary.”
The NUW is requesting pay improvements, and wants casuals to be converted to permanent positions after six months of full-time hours. It also wants to prevent Parmalat form changing rosters without obtaining agreement from workers.
“Parmalat is disappointed the NUW has decided to commence strike action,” a company spokeswoman said.
“As a result, we have had to make the tough decision to close the site indefinitely. We believe the current packaged offer is fair and reasonable and we are committed and ready to further discuss the benefits of the packaged offer.”
