‘Metals’ MECA settles

‘Metals’ MECA settles

12 noon, 23 July, 2010 -- Nearly 2000 engineering and manufacturing workers will have pay increases above inflation and an extra day holiday in 2011 after EPMU members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the Metals and Manufacturing multi-employer collective agreement (MECA) today.

The new agreement provides for a 3% increase on all printed wages and allowances this year, followed by a 3% increase next year, and a one-off holiday to acknowledge that, for the first time, Anzac Day will fall on the same day as the Easter Monday holiday in 2011.

“This is a good outcome for members. Our aim was to get them a pay rise above inflation at a time when prices are rising and the government has announced a GST hike, which will hit workers’ pay packets,” says Andrew Little, EPMU national secretary.

“EPMU members around the country responded strongly to our argument that they deserve the extra holiday in 2011, so we’re pleased the employer parties have agreed this as well,” he says.

“The trend-setting Metals agreement is now set to grow, with EPMU members at other sites organising to join its coverage”, he says.

“If small to medium enterprises can offer a 3% pay rise and an extra day of holiday then there’s no reason why larger, more profitable employers can’t do better,” he says.

The Metals and Manufacturing MECA is the EPMU’s largest multi-employer collective agreement, representing nearly 2000 workers at 120 firms.

ENDS

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