Tensions Rise as Pay Dispute Sours Good Will

Hinchinbrook MP and KAP Deputy Leader Nick Dametto at Victoria Mill.

29 August 2024

Member for Hinchinbrook and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto, has echoed his community’s frustration as the Wilmar pay dispute continues. The continued industrial relations dance between miller and unions is now creating a pressure cooker situation within affected sugar growing districts. Despite both parties heading to arbitration in September, continued strike actions are jeopardising the viability of the 2024 sugar season.

“It’s become clear that the drawn-out pay dispute is causing significant financial harm, not only to those directly involved but to the entire sugar industry and our local economy,” Mr. Dametto said.

“People are rightly pissed off. Growing and cutting sugar cane against the elements is hard enough without the uncertainty around strike actions fuelled by pay disputes, while workers know this may be the only chance they get in a long time to secure industry competitive pay rates and conditions. The pressure from the growers, harvesting contractors and local businesses is mounting. They’re calling for a swift resolution, as every day of industrial action further disrupts an already fragile season.”

Mr. Dametto criticised Wilmar’s refusal to allow workers to vote on the Fair Work Commissioner’s recent recommendations, a move he believes has exacerbated the instability and has led to workers continually striking despite the impending arbitration hearing.

“After mediation, the Commissioner put together a very considered recommendation, and this should have been put to a vote. We all understand what’s going on here, Wilmar representatives are seeking the best for the company and unions are seeking the best deal for their members, but as this war continues to rage on, towns like Ingham become collateral damage. The sugar industry is a cornerstone of our community, and we cannot afford for this season to flop.

“Wilmar can make this all go away immediately, by acting now to put a reasonable offer on the table to be voted on by workers. Instead, it seems this multinational company is content in pitching mate against mate, in a bid to turn our town on itself for their long-term gain.

“The district is financially haemorrhaging, as animosity continues to grow between millers and growers, and millers and workers, all because a resolution cannot be achieved.

“Our grower groups and the unions are doing the right thing by sticking up for their members and I will continue to liaise between both parties to ensure lines of communication remain open.

“I represent a whole of community, and I urge all parties to find a way to move forward in the best interest for all. It’s imperative we all work towards getting this year’s season back on track.”

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