TWU Members staying strong at Fonterra in Darnum, West Gippsland. A thumbs-up as members approached the final stage of the EBA
Milk-carters have voted to accept a new three-year EBA offered by regional milk processing company Fonterra.
The key points of the hard-fought for agreement are a two-per-cent or CPI annual wage increase – whichever is higher – and one-per-cent extra per year on employer paid superannuation benefits.
There was also success following the Union’s long-time push for the creation of better pathways to full-time employment for Fonterra’s seasonal workers.
An arrangement was also secured where the company must create a full-time position for any seasonal worker they have used across 11-months of any year – as this would indicate a full-time job is available.
The agreement also allows drivers to make a choice over which doctor/s conduct driver medicals and provides a mechanism for an independent appeals process for drivers who may fail a driver medical.
Currently, Fonterra drivers who work a 6 & 2 roster are required to finish before 1:00 am on at least one of their night shifts. The new EA requires that this early finish be on the last night to allow drivers to better enjoy their two days off.
The agreement also contains new provisions dealing with transition to retirement. Drivers will now be able to request reduced hours as they approach retirement age, we hope this will assist drivers enjoy a more relaxed transition from full time work to retirement.