An in-principle agreement has been struck between the United Workers Union (UWU) and Inghams after five days of industrial action which has delivered big pay rises to some of Australia’s lowest paid workers.

Workers at Inghams in Bolivar, South Australia and Osborne Park, Western Australia begun strike action on 12:01am Friday 22 September and resumed work on their regular shift times today.

Around 1000 union members at both sites originally rejected the company’s sub-inflation offer of 3.9 percent in the first year and 3.5 percent in the subsequent years. As a result of worker action, an improved offer has been submitted which includes a 5.12 percent increase in the first year with back pay and 4 percent increases in the subsequent years.

Inghams has also committed to better in-housing of labour hire workers, improved breaks and an external audit to investigate the behaviour of senior management in both states.

UWU National Secretary Tim Kennedy commended the workers for sticking together under gruelling circumstances which will see an additional $100-per-week in the pockets of some of Australia’s hardest workers.

“I feel like I am in a pretty good position to tell grand final watchers across the country that Hot and Crispy KFC and chicken parmi is back on the menu,” Mr Kennedy said.

“The workers that kept Australia fed during COVID took a pretty admirable stance just over a week ago and because they stuck together, they’re now going to have a nice little bonus ahead of Christmas holidays.”

“This is what union does and what union is; workers taking control of their own destiny in the face of huge challenges. Now they walk back in with their heads held high and it was a privilege to be able to support them in their determination.”

UWU was joined by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) in WA in its industrial action and win at Inghams.

ENDS 

UWU Media Contact: 1300 898 633, [email protected]