Unions Tasmania is backing essential food workers at McCain Foods in the states North-West as they face being locked out of their workplace by the employer in their continuing campaign for improved pay and conditions.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) members are calling on McCain to deliver a decent deal and recognise that workers bent over backwards to support the company during COVID.

Tasmanian workers are sick of being told that we are worth less, and should accept less, than workers on the mainland who do the same or similar jobs, said Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday. Many Tasmanian workers took pay cuts or reduced hours during the height of COVID including these workers at McCain.

Theyre also seeking 10 days paid sick leave which is so important in the current environment where public health advice encourages workers to stay away from work even when mildly unwell to get tested for COVID. We know how important having enough paid sick leave is to stopping the spread of illness at work.

The Tasmanian union movement supports AMWU members in their fight for a fair deal, said Ms Munday.

For further information or comment: Jessica Munday 0417 454 809

Media Release - Unions Tasmania supports essential food workers at McCain Foods 210721.pdf