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Pilkington Glass EBA VICTORY


Members at Pilkington Glass have had a very tough time of it over the last couple of years.

First, they were purchased by the Japanese giant N.S.G. and in the first few months of this year, were sold by the Japanese and acquired by the building products manufacturer and company of sugar fame, C.S.R.


Uncertainty over entitlements


Due to the Howard laws, there was a lot of uncertainty over entitlements. Workchoices had made it possible for bosses to strip away hard fought conditions 12 months after purchasing a company.

Members were not going to cop this. Bad laws or not, they were going to protect what they had!

Campaign brings victory


The members at South Oakleigh, Morwell, Albury, Mildura and Grovedale embarked on almost a year long campaign to get the right result. - And get the right result they did!

I am pleased to say, that despite Workchoices, in principle agreement has been reached that delivers the following:


  • A 3-year agreement delivering between 12% and 14% in pay rises;
  • Improved accident make-up pay provisions;
  • A re-vamped classification structure which for the first time recognises the skills of our members;
  • and lastly, but most importantly PROTECTION OF ALL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT INCLUDING THE AWARD.


That means that members keep all their RDOs, picnic day, income protection insurance and a redundancy agreement guaranteeing a minimum 4 weeks pay per year of service.

Thanks to all delegates and members On behalf of all those at the State Branch in Errol Street, I personally like to thank the delegates and members at all the Pilkington sites. Your commitment and solidarity ensured a great result. Well done!!


Footnote to victory:


Members will be interested to learn that C.S.R. has also acquired D.M.S. Glass. Members at D.M.S. Glass, who have been doing it tough for years are now facing the same issues as the Pilkington boys as well as continuing their fight against the dreaded AWAs (also known as Australia’s Worst Agreements).

Shane and the boys at DMS have been taking up the fight and I have no doubt that if they stick together they’ll get a good result as well. The union is determined to see this happen and has already commenced discussions with CSR about scrapping AWAs and negotiating a fair dinkum agreement.