Tasmanian Politicians Unite in Support of Saputo Burnie Factory Strikers Demanding Pay Parity

“They’ve gone without pay for this entire time, but they have courageously kept fighting for what is right,” stated Greens workplace relations spokesperson Helen Burnett. “We’re seeing these Tasmanian workers being replaced by international workers while they’re on strike.”

Labor leader Dean Winter reinforced the urgency of the issue, emphasizing the need for the Tasmanian Parliament to send a strong message to Saputo, the international dairy giant behind brands like Cheer, Devondale, King Island Dairy, and Liddells.

“You can’t have a situation wh ere companies think they can come to Tasmania, benefit from our brand, our workforce, but not pay our workers the right wage,” Winter asserted. “These workers are simply asking to be paid the same amount as their mainland colleagues who do the exact same job.”

Winter acknowledged the delayed response from the Premier, who finally agreed to meet with the workers after they traveled from Burnie and attended Parliament.

Minister Eric Abetz also voiced support for the pay parity principle, stating: “It’s a pretty easy proposition that people that do the same amount of work in a similar situation should be paid the same.”

CEPU State Secretary Michael Anderson highlighted the resolve of the workers, noting that such a prolonged strike is rare in the north-west. “They made a very informed, serious decision with their community and their families,” Anderson said. “The support they’re building is really keeping these guys going.”

This strong show of political solidarity underscores the importance of fair pay and equal treatment for Tasmanian workers, emphasizing the need for companies like Saputo to address wage disparities and support their workforce equitably.