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Factory workers at soft drink maker Coca-Cola are set to walk off the job, claiming the global giant is paying its workers significantly less than big rival Pepsi.
About 150 workers at Coca-Cola’s Northmead factory, in western Sydney, have voted to take strike action, which the union says could affect Christmas supply of the popular drink.
The decision comes days after workers at a Woolworths distribution center secured a pay rise following a 17-day strike.
NSW Electrical Unions secretary Alan Hicks said Coca-Cola workers would be better off at Pepsi.
“Despite doing the same job, workers at the Coca-Cola factory in Northmead are paid significantly less than those working for Pepsi,” he said.
“Coca-Cola has a two-tier pay system where some employees are paid significantly less than their colleagues, even though they do exactly the same work.”
In response, Coca-Cola Europacific said it was still in talks with workers at the Northmead production and logistics site over a new enterprise agreement.
“We continue to take a constructive approach to negotiations and have offered an EA that we believe offers market competitive rates and above remuneration with greater benefits,” a spokesperson said.
“Some of our staff at Northmead have taken the decision to take action and we respect their right to do so.”
Coca-Cola workers also have problems with the company’s development schedule and structure.
Hicks said it’s a new look at the age-old “Coke vs. Pepsi” debate.
“All these workers want is to be paid according to industry standards … when it comes to treating their employees with respect, Pepsi wins hands down,” he said.
Coca-Cola said it has contingency plans in place to help minimize potential supply problems.
“We … are confident that Australians will be able to enjoy our wide range of products over the festive season … regardless of the actions that are taken at our Northmead facility,” the spokesperson said.
Woolworths reached an agreement on Friday to reopen its distribution centers and end a 17-day strike.
After months of negotiations, the United Workers Union said it had secured above-inflation wage increases and a new clause would be added to workplace agreements “that ensures workers will not be disciplined for the speed at which they can work.” .
Woolworths said its four warehouses would be back to full capacity as soon as possible.
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