Envelope workers strike for 12 days
Taken from the National Nine News website
Includes quotes from SP National Organiser and AMWU member Anthony Main
Claims of bullying tactics have prolonged a strike of Australian Envelopes workers in Melbourne’s south-east.While the strike has entered its 12th day, over the sacking of shop steward Matt Stephens, the dispute has intensified with allegations of intimidation tactics, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union’s print division says.
The union claims a car on the picket line in Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, was rammed by a forklift in a bid to clear a driveway.
About 60 workers, all members of the union, are on strike.
AMWU spokesman Anthony Main said all the workers wanted Mr Stephens to be reinstated.
“In my opinion, violence on this picket line cannot be ruled out, especially in the next few days as things come to a head,” Mr Main said.
“This is a company that manufactures one million envelopes a day and nothing has gone out for 12 days now.
“The picket line will be maintained in the coming days, we don’t want anyone getting hurt. We just want Matt’s job back.”
