DB offers to shout four percent wage rise, bonus

Media release August 24, 2005

DB offers to shout four per cent wage rise and 10 per cent bonus

“DB is offering employees a wage increase of four percent - one per cent above inflation - and staff are also on target for a 10 per cent, performance-related, lump sum bonus just before Christmas,” said DB Managing Director, Brian Blake.

“Unfortunately, unions do not support or recognise the size of the bonus and have taken strike action to gain a five per cent increase. Sadly, they are failing to recognise that DB is considered an excellent employer by our staff and that a strike may put reaching our target and the bonus at risk.

“Our 10 per cent performance-related bonus is significantly greater than the value of the extra one per cent the union is seeking.

“The company rewards employees for performance and shares its success with them. That is why DB has paid out bonuses of up to ten per cent over the past three years.

“Our staff put more in their pockets and are more motivated with bonuses than with a flat five per cent increase.

“We already pay above market wages and DB employees also get life and health insurance, superannuation and an education centre at headquarters. The company shouts them free beers too – everyone gets a beer allowance. Plus in the first week of October all our staff will be shouted dinner to celebrate our 75th year.

“We believe that is why DB staff have not taken strike action in the last ten years and why we have one of the lowest turnovers of production staff in the country.

“It is also a myth that a five per cent rise is widespread.

“We’ve looked at wage increases settled at similar companies and we compare positively with them – particularly if you factor in the bonus we are offering.”

ENDS

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