Media Release
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Salaried workers at Ford have rejected the EBA at
99.4% no vote
Ford Australia have put a flat rate increase agreement to the workforce, and received an
overwhelming rejection of 99.4 per cent. Out of 466 votes counted, 463 voted no, and just 3
voted yes.
AMWU Technical Supervisory Administrative (TSA) Division Organiser Darren Hanisch said
that the salaried workers at Ford on all sites, Broadmeadows, Geelong and Lara had rejected
the companys offer of a flat rate increase because they want and deserve a percentage
based increase.
The workers effectively kept the company going when it was in a rough patch incurred by
economic slowdown, and they have taken a lot of pain throughout the GFC, said Mr Hanisch.
It is also understood that last Friday the vehicle divisions vote outcome for day shift workers
at Broadmeadows was also negative.
A flat rate increase is like a slap in the face. For the duration of the three year agreement
workers can only expect increases of $30 at the most per year. This would mean that vehicle
builders would receive 3.5 percent per annum, whilst salaried workers would get from 1.1 to
1.4 per cent per annum.
"The union will be seeking further discussions with the company and attempt to gain a
percentage based increase for all salaried workers at Ford Australia.
The Australian Electoral Commission is currently undertaking a protected industrial action
ballot which is being voted on, and if necessary, we will take action.
Its outrageous that Ford can expect its workers to take it on the chin once again with such a
paltry offer. Each one of these workers has bills to pay, mouths to feed and they deserve a
percentage based increase in line with inflation, said Mr Hanisch.
For more information or interviews please contact Darren Hanisch on 0437 744 550 or Anaya
Latter on 0432 121 636.