Building work at Alcoa’s new aluminium processing plant at Pinjarra in WA was halted Wednesday and Thursday morning (Nov 1&2) by the Peel Community Solidarity group. The community action, which involved holding mass meetings in the middle of the road, is the first of its kind in WA.

On October 31 thirty building workers were sacked after Alcoa cancelled a building firms contract. C.E.C.K, the new contractor, indicated that the workers would be re-employed under AWA’s (individual contracts) resulting in a 25% reduction in conditions.

Alcoa refused to negotiate in good faith with the union representing the workers, the Australian Workers Union (AWU). In response the community decided to discuss the issue on the main access road into the plant during a shift change. As Alcoa employs about 2,000 employees the action caused a traffic gridlock.

After Alcoa continued to hold out the action was repeated on the morning of November 2. Alcoa attempted to divert traffic along back roads. However the community decided to have a meeting in the middle of the new access point to the plant. At its peak traffic was banked up for 10km.

Only after the community was informed that Alcoa would negotiate with the AWU was the action adjourned. Alcoa have been warned to expect future “road meetings” if they are not serious about resolving the issue.