Australia: Lion dairy workers strike and win protection for casual workers

IUF-affiliated NUW members at Lion in Crestmead struck for 24 hours on Christmas Eve after negotiations with the company failed to reach a fair outcome for Queensland workers.

After being forced to strike to send the company a clear message that QLD workers want fairness, NUW members at the site voted to accept the company’s latest improved offer on January 16.

In addition to improved wages and holidays, the new collective agreement includes  a clause stipulating that casual workers, whether directly engaged by Lion or not, will be employed on the same terms and conditions as permanent workers. This clause prevents the company from bringing in labour hire workers/contractors on lesser terms and conditions than workers directly employed by Lion.

Lion Group produces milk for companies including Dairy Farmers, PURA, Moove and Farmers Union.