Vinidex pipe workers walk out over poor pay and conditions in Brisbane, Australia
Striking Vinidex workers [Source: WSWS Media]
Workers on picket duty told the WSWS they would launch an indefinite strike unless the company, which makes plastic piping and gardening essentials, agreed to an enterprise agreement to increase their wages.
They said they had “had enough” after being paid for years an effective flat rate of only about $20 an hour, despite doing highly technical and dangerous work involving plastics and chemicals. For doing 12-hour shifts, around the clock, every day of the week, they receive a 42 percent loading, taking their rates to around $29.50 an hour.