Page 10 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

CAMPAIGNS > CUB55
UNIONS WIN THE BATTLE OF THE BREWERY
Hundreds of unionists gathered to share in the victory and form a guard of honour.
CUB members won a magnificent victory following a gruelling, hard- fought campaign to get their jobs back. The CUB55 marched triumphantly back to work at the Abbotsford Brewery on 12 December, bringing the 181-day Battle
Fof the Brewery to an end.
ifty-five maintenance electricians and fitters had been picketing the CUB brewery since the company
terminated their employment and offered them their jobs back for up to 65% less pay.
The dispute attracted the attention and support of workers around Australia who were shocked that such dirty tactics were being used by one of Australia’s iconic brands against one of the most highly unionised
victory and form a guard of honour as the workers were led through the brewery gates by the Victorian Scottish Pipes and Drums Band.
As part of the dispute settlement,
all picketing workers were invited
to return to work at their previous positions at the Abbotsford brewery on fair and decent union terms and conditions that provide job security to the workers.
Sending a message to corporate Australia
This was an important dispute to win and sends a strong message to corporate Australia: do not mess with the ETU. We pulled out all stops to win this dispute, spending $1.4 million – including $1 million in direct welfare payments to the sacked workers.
We could not have achieved this result without the cooperation of the many union members who made financial contributions to support the CUB55. Many of you also took part in weekly rallies, the consumer boycott, social media campaigns, street-stalls and marches.
The ETU and CUB55 thank you all – this victory belongs to you. Touch one, touch all. n
workforces in the country.
A hero’s welcome
The CUB55 were given a hero’s welcome as they arrived at the Abbotsford brewery for their first day back on the job. Hundreds of unionists gathered to share in the
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THE ETU > AUTUMN 2017
CUB55REINSTATED!