Boral workers plan indefinite strike

After three half-day strikes the workers at Boral Window Systems in 
Elizabeth (SA) are set to walk out indefinitely in support of higher wages 
and improved redundancy provisions. The 80 workers, members of the 
Furnishing Division of the CFMEU, unanimously rejected the company's latest 
offer in enterprise bargaining negotiations.

In addition to a substantial wage rise, the union is demanding 24-hour 
income protection insurance, an improved redundancy package and partial 
payout of unused sick leave.

Glaziers, covered by the glass award, are usually paid around $600 per week 
for a 38-hour week.

At Boral, they are employed under the metal trades award on the lowest 
classification and receive around $430 per week.

The former right-wing Carpenters' and Joiners union (subsequently merged to 
become FIMEE and now AWU) had covered the Boral plant until two years ago 
when workers decided to sign up with the CFMEU.

The CFMEU then successfully negotiated an enterprise agreement.

The negotiations were tough then, but they are even tougher now.

The climate has changed with the threat of the company restructuring its 
window division and possible redundancies.

CFMEU Furnishing Division Secretary Steve Rowe told The Guardian 
that the workers' main concerns are better wages, with reclassification and 
recognition of skills, and improved redundancy provisions.

Initially the company offered an eight percent pay rise over two years, the 
CFMEU said 15 per cent.

A human resources bloke was brought in from Melbourne and reduced it to 2.5 
percent per annum.

The CFMEU is demanding redundancy payments of three weeks for every year 
with no ceiling, as provided for in the glass award.

At present the Boral workers are entitled to a maximum redundancy payout 
equivalent to eight weeks' pay.

The gap between wages and conditions at Boral and in the glass award is 
important, not just for the Boral workforce.

Boral is a major supplier of windows to the South Australian residential 
housing industry. It is in competition with Stegbar whose employees are 
covered by the glass award, on better wages and conditions which could be 
threatened if the union is not successful in getting a good agreement at 
Boral.

Throughout the dispute the workers have remained determined and united.

Management has tried to split the workforce by introducing using body hire, 
but to no avail.

In what smacks of victimisation, the worker who signed the documents 
leading to the initiation of the bargaining period and the taking of 
"protected action", has been sacked. The CFMEU have taken the matter to the 
Employment Advocate, and expect the worker to be reinstated.

There have been three walk-offs with another one planned for Tuesday and an 
indefinite strike planned for Wednesday this week — all unanimously 
supported by the workforce.

The Construction and Forestry Divisions of the union are giving their 
support to the Boral workers.

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