AMWU members at Swedish mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc are protesting today as they continue to fight for a pay rise that the company have denied them for over two years.

Negotiations for a new enterprise agreement have dragged on, with EPIROC using delaying tactics or often simply not responding to the union.

They have refused to deliver a pay rise and include pay increases in the enterprise agreement. The company have removed clauses from draft agreements without discussion including those that protect the rights of workers to have a voice through their union.

Despite previously taking industrial action, including a 48-hour stoppage, the company have refused to budge on guaranteeing workers a pay rise. Workers have already overwhelmingly voted down a draft agreement put to them by the company.

Unions Tasmania Secretary, Jessica Munday, says the behaviour of EPIROC at a time when Tasmanian workers are struggling with the highest living costs in the country is disgraceful.

These workers have tried to negotiate with the company in good faith for well over two years. It is completely reasonable for workers to demand a guaranteed pay rise and Epiroc need to stop treating its workforce with such disrespect. Tasmania has the highest rate of inflation in Australia. Epiroc workers need, and deserve, a fair pay rise guaranteed in their enterprise agreement, said Ms Munday.

The Tasmanian union movement stands in solidarity with AMWU members at Epiroc.

Media are invited to attend the protest at lunch time today, details below:

When: Today, Wednesday 7 December

Where: 26 Besser Crescent, Camdale

Time: 12:30pm

Contact: Michael Wickham, AMWU State Organiser, 0408 773 900

PDF copy available here: Media release - Epiroc workers protest for fair pay 071222.pdf