Melbourne lockout spirits high

Date: 21 September 2000

Workers from Non Ferral scrap metal company in Melbourne's northern suburbs have now been locked out of their worksite for 21 days and although spirits remain buoyant, many are struggling financially.

Workers from Non Ferral scrap metal company have now been locked out of their worksite for 21 days and although spirits remain buoyant, many are struggling financially.

"Morale is still high, people are frustrated and upset - they want to go back to work, that is what they are best at," said Percy Pillai, senior delegate at Nonferral in Keon Park, Melbourne.

The UK-owned company told workers not to come back to work for six months at the beginning of September when they took legal industrial action. But it has now indicated a willingness to negotiate and has made a new offer of a productivity based pay rise. The Industrial Relations Commission recommended a cooling-off period and end to the lockout, but the company "ignored" the Commission, said Bill Shorten, Australian Workers Union Victorian Branch Secretary.
"Nonferral decided to use Federal Industrial Relations Minister Peter Reith's draconian legislation to intimidate these ordinary working people into signing inferior contracts," said Bill.

"The independent umpire has spoken and we think the company should listen."

Workers are starting to feel the pinch but will not give in. "There is the rent and bank loans. You think you staying on track and then this happens," said Stephen Brasher, union delegate and furnace loader.

" I went to the Salvation Army this morning - what we don't use, we will share with the others."

"The lockout is going to put us back six or seven months. Christmas is going to be a small one this year," Stephen added.
Workers like Philip Lyons and Stefan Karaoules have worked for the company for decades. "It is hard on me, hard on my wife and the kids - they want me back at work," said Philip who has clocked up 27 years service. Stefan has been employed continuously since 1969 and can't understand why the company is acting against the workers.
"I think they want to teach us a lesson," said Robyn Francis, a union delegate and weighbridge operator. But workers are not going to be rolled. "Spirits are high because we believe we are fighting for something worthwhile and we are standing proud," she said.
Marlene Ritchie, (who is quick to point out she is no relation to the new owner of the company Royce Ritchie) says she is lucky that her husband is in work. "I am supposed to be on Long Service Leave this week. They are meant to pay me, but they haven't."
The Union has distributed money from its fighting fund, and there have been many donations of money and food. Union members from nearby sites have been visiting the lockout site frequently to swell the numbers. "We have had tremendous support from other union members who bring cash and food," said Percy.
He believes there is a strong bond between Nonferral workers now.

"What this lockout has done is give the people a new collective spirit, new friendships. And it has made the resolve of the workers a lot, lot more stronger," he said.

For images of the lockout, go to www.vthc.org.au

For further information

Contact:	Bill Shorten, AWU, Secretary, Victoria
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Phone:	0419 105263

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