Up to 160 Greenham abattoir workers are expected to strike on Friday in Tasmania, with the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union dissatisfied with the offer of a 2.5 per cent annual pay increase over four years.
The ABC reports that the union wants a four per cent rise for each year, and has cited productivity improvements made by workers.
“Our figures indicate that production’s gone up by approximately 25 per cent, that’s through stock numbers going through the plant, and with an increase of 25 per cent in production we believe that a wage increase of two and a half per cent isn’t really feasible,” the AMIEU’s Troy Baker said.
According to the ABC, Greenham is yet to comment.
The picket line will be located in Smithton’s main street.
Greenham’s brands include Cape Grim Tasmanian Natural Beef, Pure Black Natural Angus Beef and Greenham Tasmania Natural Beef.
The company incorporated in 1933 after operating in Victoria as sole traders since the1860s.