Striking staff at a Jacob’s Creek winery in Australia have reached an agreement with Pernod Ricard to end industrial action.
The Barossa Valley winery employees obtained a 5% wage increase that is backdated to 1 July. Workers will also get one additional day off per year and an increase from three to five of medically certified days off.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Staff at the winery were seeking pay levels that are more in-line with Australia’s CPI which is up 16% in the last three years, while workers’ pay has only gone up 7%, the union claims.
Approximately 120 staff endorsed 24-hour stoppages, the first of which occurred on 30 July. Workers were represented by the United Workers Union.
In the bargaining agreement reached with Pernod Ricard, the Barossa Valley winery workers received a tiered payout system for personal leave upon contract termination, which in some cases could be up to 30%.
Staff also won “improved progression” to higher job grades and “fewer obstacles” regarding upskill opportunities.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“This is a huge win for members in South Australia and another example of what can be achieved when workers stand united and take action for a fair-deal,” a spokesperson for the United Workers Unions said.
“However, the fight isn’t over. Good, secure jobs are the lifeblood of regional communities. Members are already gearing up for next year’s bargaining with new owners, Accolade Wines.”
Last month, Pernod Ricard struck a deal to offload a clutch of wine assets to Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL), the owner of Australia-headquartered Accolade Wines. That deal included Jacob’s Creek.
The United Workers Union said its members had been left “uncertain” of their futures following the deal to sell the assets to AWL, citing “ambiguity around the impact” of the transaction.
The Jameson whiskey maker said the sale of the assets will help it hone in on its global spirits and Champagnes portfolio which “drive the growth of its business”.
Pernod Ricard expects the sale to be completed by the first half of 2025. The deal will include the wine brands Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate and Campo Viejo, as well as seven wineries.
The French wine and spirit group is retaining wine brands including Etchart in Argentina, Chateau Sainte Marguerite in France and Kenwood Vineyards in the US.
