Bitzer workers won much better pay and conditions after a successful strike.
AMWU members at Bitzer have gone back to work in triumph after a nine-week strike at the refrigeration firm ended with them winning a vastly improved deal while killing off harsh company demands.
The 54 workers won a deal that extends the 36-hour working week to everyone, provides for two RDOs every month, gives pay rises of 10% over three years, guarantees permanency for casuals after six months service and control over the hours they work.
Members agreed it was worth every bitterly cold day and night huddled around the fire outside the Sunshine factory, in a 24-7 protest which began in balmy April weather. Their protected action shut down all production of freezer units for Australian supermarkets.