The dispute at Thompson's Roller Shutters in Turella (Sydney) has been won, with workers going back to work this morning after signing an EBA yesterday. They will get a 12% wage rise over 3 years, increased redundancy entitlements, a recognition of the union and award conditions and a guarantee that the striking workers will not be intimidated.

A week ago, the morale on the picket line was low and there was no end in sight; only a cocky boss strutting around in front of the factory.

3 community pickets over 3 days changed all this. 30 and 40 people mobilised on each of those occasions. The community pickets and the threat of more to come meant a change in the boss' attitude from one of arrogance to turning and hiding, even closing the doors on us so they wouldn't have to face us from inside. Production was down and so was staffing levels (they had been bringing in labour hire from a notorious anti-union company).

This victory is a great victory for workers who stood up in the face of massive intimidation and fought for 4 weeks. It is also a great boost for building confidence and collaboration between community activists and the unions.

more info/background: Support Turella Strikers | Workers Solidarity NSW background

Labels: strikes, Turella