Milk tanker strike ends, but Saputo, Fonterra, Peters, Lactalis factory workers still out

Saputo’s Gippsland milk tanker drivers have returned to work, ending their 48-hour strike that began Tuesday at 3am.

Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing said some farmers had been forced to dump milk, but much of the impact had been offset by drivers and middle management from Western Victoria heading to Gippsland to help out.

Transport Workers Union state secretary Mike McNess said the strike action ceased at 3am today, with drivers due to meet Saputo representatives for discussion tomorrow morning.

Mr McNess has previously stated the dispute was over reasonable hours of work and job security, given Saputo’s recent plant closures and announcements of further plant axings.

Meanwhile 1400 United Workers Union dairy factory workers continue to strike at Saputo, Lactalis, Fonterra and Peters plants, which may soon be unable to store more milk, raising the prospect of processors having to dump on site.

The union is calling for a 15 per cent pay rise over three years, with specific demands of Saputo to confirm the future of its operations in Australia.

Alex Sinnott and Peter Hunt, The Weekly Times, 19 October 2023.

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