Published: 1 Jun 2009
Waterside workers at West Swanson Dock, Melbourne, refused to load a container of Pacific Brands plant equipment on May 31, in sympathy with worker and community outrage over the company's behaviour.
Workers on all three shifts, day, twilight and midnight - around 200 men and women - unanimously voted to endorse the following statement:
"We the employees of DP World Melbourne are sickened by the actions of Pacific Brands in axing 1850 Australian jobs.
"We fully support the workers of Pacific Brands in their fight to retain their jobs in Australia.
"Collectively we refuse to assist Pacific Brands in sending offshore, equipment that has been purchased by us as Australian taxpayers."
Pacific Brands announced they are laying off 1,850 Australian workers while paying themselves a multi-million dollar 170 per cent executive pay hike. They are now attempting to ship out taxpayer-funded plant equipment offshore, despite earlier denying they would do so.
"The workers at the Melbourne docks have voted and taken a stand," said MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin. "The community sentiment is these Pacific Brands company executives are morally bankrupt. This container is spoiled dangerous goods. They said it's contaminated, they wouldn't touch it. The company have put profits before people and the public good."
"The workers at DP World Melbourne felt it morally wrong for that container to be sent overseas and took a principled stand," said MUA Victoria Branch Secretary Kevin Bracken. "It's an honour to represent them."
Contact: Paddy Crumlin, National Secretary, mobile: 0418 379 660
Kevin Bracken, Victoria Branch Secretary, mobile: 04000 77563
