Workers at a Laverton steel mill will walk off the job on Friday after negotiations over a new enterprise agreement broke down.
Australian Workers Union (AWU) members at InfraBuild’s Laverton steel mill will begin rolling industrial stoppages from 6am on 24 October, after rejecting what the union called “a sub-standard enterprise agreement”.
The decision to go on strike was taken following a mass meeting of members last week where the union claimed support for industrial action was “unanimous and emphatic”.
The union and InfraBuild have been locked in negotiations over a new enterprise agreement since 2021, but AWU metro lead organiser Dave Swan said the time to strike had come.
“After four years of disputes, safety failures, and wages falling behind, our members have reached their limit,” Mr Swan said.
“They’ve decisively rejected Infrabuild’s enterprise agreement. The message is clear; workers deserve a genuine offer that reflects the current cost of living.”
As well as wages that keep pace with cost-of-living increases, the AWU also wants improved workplace conditions at the Laverton mill after what it claims are years of safety failures.
A spokesperson for InfraBuild said the company would continue to negotiate in good faith with the union.
InfraBuild’s Laverton mill manufactures steel products from recycled scrap metal and claims to be the largest such site in the country.
Despite this, the spokesperson for the company said the Australian steel industry was facing challenges from an over supply of steel coming into the country.
“Steel prices continue to be impacted by increased market uncertainty and European and US trade policy announcements.
“Even with these pressures, InfraBuild is proud and committed to maintaining a strong sustainable local steel manufacturing industry in Australia and has been regularly engaging with the union.”
However, the AWU accused InfraBuild of importing foreign steel themselves, undermining their workers in the process.
“Every tonne of foreign steel imported into Australia weakens our manufacturing industry, undercuts Australian jobs,” AWU Victoria state secretary, Ronnie Hayden said.
The AWU said its members would remain on strike until InfraBuild made an improved offer.
