Sigma stand-off continues
March 15, 2012
THE National Union of Workers
has announced its intention to take
further industrial action regarding a
disagreement between Sigma
Pharmaceuticals and factory
workers at its Rowville site.
The action started earlier in the
month and was sparked by Sigma’s
decision to cut night-time shift
loadings (PD 09Mar) .
Around 130 workers were
involved in taking industrial action,
which included a 48-hour strike, to
which Sigma responded to by
locking the workers out of the site
between 05-14 March.
“Workers have had the right to
shift loadings at the site for 20
years, a right that previous workers
had fought for,” a statement from
the NUW said.
“Members said that if they just
let Sigma take away their rights it
will be the future generations of
workers that will suffer, not just
themselves,” the NUW added.
Meanwhile, following the NUW’s
statement that it will take further
action, Sigma has lodged an
application to Fair Work Australia to
deal with a bargaining dispute, an
action which will lead to a
conciliation process.
Sigma has been quick however to
allay industry fears, saying it
continues to communicate its
position to customers and consumers.
Sigma has also confirmed that the
industrial action is only impacting
its Rowville site in Victoria.
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