Arabic version: عمال أرنوتس في أديلايد يوقفون العمل بسبب الأجور

According to ABC News, about 160 Arnott’s Biscuits employees at the Marleston factory in Adelaide took part in a 24-hour work stoppage on Tuesday in a dispute over pay. The United Workers Union said the action involved day and night shift workers and was the first industrial action at the site in more than three decades.

Dozens of workers gathered outside the factory before marching along Marion Road on Tuesday afternoon. Union spokesperson Adam Auld said the Galway Avenue site produces products including Tim Tams, Iced VoVos and other Arnott’s chocolate items.

The union says workers have received wage increases of 2.5 per cent for each of the past four years, which Mr Auld said amounted to less than $1 an hour. He said many employees were struggling with mortgage or rent costs and had to work overtime to make their pay packets stretch. The union is seeking a deal that would put workers ahead of the cost of living.

Arnott’s, which is owned by private equity firm KKR, has offered a 9.5 per cent wage increase over two years. Mr Auld said 95 per cent of the workforce voted against the proposal last week. An Arnott’s spokesperson said the company respected employees’ right to take protected industrial action, but was disappointed given what it described as constructive discussions.

The company said it would continue meeting with the union and negotiate in good faith towards an agreement that supports employees and the long-term sustainability of its Adelaide operations. The parties are continuing negotiations on pay conditions.