BY SHANE BENTLEY
SYDNEY — Striking workers at the Dayson compressor maintenance plant in Rydalmere have rejected a management offer of a 4% pay increase in August and a further 2% in December, as part of a non-union agreement.
The workers have been on strike since the company sacked seven employees, including a union delegate, on May 21.
Dayson, a subsidiary of the US Trane corporation, has refused to negotiate a union agreement with the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) for almost a year. One of the four permanent and three casual staff sacked was AMWU delegate Greg Cummins.
The AMWU organised the plant a little over a year ago. The work force had previously been forced to sign a non-union agreement — a simple restatement of conditions under existing state and federal metal industry awards.
The union submitted a log of claims which includes a 15% pay rise, a better redundancy package and protection of entitlements. However, Dayson management refused to negotiate with the union on the question of pay rises.
The striking workers are more than willing to return to work as long as management gives an undertaking to enter into meaningful negotiations with the AMWU.
Management provocations include a 75-minute long barbeque for non-strikers on May 29 in full view of the strikers (lunch breaks are 30 minutes).
The strikers took revenge the next day with their own barbeque attended by AMWU officials and dozens of unionists from neighbouring workplaces. Other shows of support include a $135 donation from workers at the nearby Rheem factory.
The striking Dayson workers need your support. For donations or workplace meetings, phone Serge at the picket line on 0401 086 164, or AMWU organisers Harry (0419 402 650) or Ghazi (0419 287 615).
The AMWU is organising a rally at the offices of Trane (6-8 Lyons Street, North Ryde) at 12 noon on June 5 (assemble at 11.45am at Elouera Reserve and march to Trane).
The Dayson picket can also be visited from 7am to 5pm at 30 South Street, Rydalmere.
From Green Left Weekly, June 5, 2002.
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