CPA - The Guardian

Membership growth was the key to winning a strong new agreement at bread manufacturer Tip Top in Victoria, Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union (LHMU) delegates say.

Dandenong LHMU delegate Michael Daley said the agreement is the strongest they have won in a long time. “The big change for us is that most people at Tip Top are members now. We haven’t been strong like this for a long time.

“We had more delegates representing us than we’ve had in the past so there was a bigger commitment to ensure that we achieved what we were aiming for,” Mr Daley said.

The new agreement, which covers the three Victorian Tip Top sites, includes a committee of members that must be consulted before any changes can be made. Improvements to annual, long service and sick leave are “fantastic”, said delegate Ben Good.

“Along with other important conditions, and a strong pay rise, these changes were won by members coming together and everyone actually being more vocal and having more of a voice.”

Now the members at Tip Top have seen the power of standing together and winning they are looking forward to fighting for an even better agreement next time.

“We are confident of winning stronger agreements in the future,” said Ben.

Next article – Murdoch University staff vote for action

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