ETU Qld/NT members at working Wilmar Sugar & Renewables have been negotiating their EBA since March 2023.
Wilmar is one of the largest employers in North Queensland with approximately 2,000 workers. Due to minimal wage increases ( 5.5% over 4 years since 2020), many workers have left sugar communities, no longer able to survive on Wilmar wages. Entry-level trades workers at Wilmar were paid 23.68% below the national average trades rate in the manufacturing industry in November 2023 (bos).
Over the past 4 years Wilmar workers have accepted lower wage increases on the promise that when Wilmar profits increased, they would be compensated. Despite Wilmar’s substantial profits exceeding $1 billion in 2023, and projected profits to exceed $3 billion over a three-year period, Wilmar did not keep their promise.
Despite workers not receiving one pay rise since December 2022, union’s bargaining in good faith, reduced their wage claim as a one time offer before the crushing season began to 18% over 3 years, but this was arrogantly rejected.
Wilmar countered with an offer of just above 3.5% per year over 4 years with a sign-on bonus. It went to vote without union approval where 84.7% of workers voted NO to the sub-standard offer. Wilmar’s substandard offer will mean the gap between Wilmar wages and the industry-standard will grow wider.
Wilmar’s divide-and-rule tactic pitting growers against workers has damaged its reputation in local communities with the dictatorial and disrespectful attitude during negotiations and its reckless disregard for sugar communities.
Wilmar owns Goodman Fielder, a producer of popular household brands in Australia.
ETU members from around the country can show your support by boycotting Goodman Fielder products and opting for alternative choices.
Wilmar workers are asking the community to boycott Goodman Fielder brands as part of ongoing EBA negotiations. Entry level Wilmar workers are currently paid 23% less than industry averages. Wilmar has refused to bargain with unions in good faith.
Stand in solidarity with the workers by boycotting the brands below and other Goodman Fielder products. See the full list here
In the last week of July ETU and Wilmar Management entered Commission assisted bargaining, however, the company still would not agree to a fair and decent wage increase.