Tully Mill Pay Deal Provides Certainty

By Robert Heyward CANEGROWERS

has welcomed the resolution of industrial action at Tully Sugar Mill, highlighting it as a positive example of successful negotiations between employers and unions conducted in good faith and with a willingness to compromise.

Over the weekend, Tully Sugar Limited announced that mill workers had voted in favour of a pay deal proposed by the mill, following recent conciliation talks with unions in Townsville.

“This is a good outcome for the local industry,” said CANEGROWERS

Chairman Owen Menkens. “It demonstrates that a system exists where workers can be fairly represented, allowing employers and employees to negotiate a mutually acceptable pay deal.”

Mr. Menkens noted that Tully CANEGROWERS representatives have been actively working behind the scenes with both parties to encourage a resolution, and he expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached.

He also suggested that the Tully pay deal should serve as an example for Wilmar Sugar and the unions, who have been embroiled in an increasingly contentious pay dispute since last year.

“Wilmar and the unions also engaged in a non-binding conciliation process, but unlike Tully, no solution has been found. As a result, half of the industry continues to be affected by the threat of strike action.”

With widespread rainfall across North Queensland delaying crushing for the next week or two, Mr. Menkens encouraged both sides in the Wilmar-union dispute to take advantage of this time to restart negotiations and fnd a compromise, allowing the crush to proceed smoothly once the weather improves.