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11 June 2010

AWU members at Springvale Cemetery have accepted a pay deal in which they will receive increases totalling 13.25% over the three year life of a new Enterprise Agreement.

The 80 workers met yesterday to hear details of the deal which was facilitated by Fair Work Australia’s Commissioner Julius Roe. It follows a long-running campaign of protected industrial action culminating in a two-day strike last month.

AWU Victorian Secretary Cesar Melhem said the settlement of the dispute was a victory for the workers who had fought a long and hard campaign, and showed the effectiveness of the Fair Work system.

“This was a complex matter which was assisted by Fair Work from conciliation through to the ultimate outcome. It shows that when parties are willing to work towards agreement that Fair Work has the processes to advance matters much more quickly than would otherwise be the case,” he said.    

Cesar said workers had shown restraint throughout the dispute and only taken industrial action when all over avenues were exhausted.

“At all times, the workers were mindful of taking action that would cause the least possible disruption to the public. In turn, the support shown to our members by the public was overwhelming and greatly appreciated,” he said.

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