The United Workers Union accused parent company, PepsiCo, of making an "insulting" pay offer to workers
More than 150 workers producing popular snacks such as Doritos and Smith’s Chips in South Australia are taking industrial action against food and beverage giant, PepsiCo, over a pay dispute.
In a statement the United Workers Union, claimed workers are earning 12% less than their counterparts in Queensland for making identical products and accused PepsiCo of refusing to offer a fair pay deal.
Workers held a four hour stoppage on Thursdy afternoon.
"There is plenty of spare change and PepsiCo can afford to do the right thing, but they're choosing not to," United Workers Union Director of Food & Beverage Mel Gatfield said.
“The workers simply want to keep their heads above water as they work hard. Same rate, each state - is that really too much to ask from a billion-dollar global empire?”
In a statement to HRD, PepsiCo said the wage offer was "fair and resonable".
"Our people are our top priority and we are committed to working with them and the Unions to continue discussions in good faith and come to an agreement that is acceptable to our employees. We believe the wage offer is fair and reasonable. Our pay rates are above industry standard in South Australia and reflect our commitment to employ and manufacture locally."
The union claim South Australian PepsiCo workers received, in an agreement that expired in February, a 2.6% pay increase over three years, totalling 7.8% but with high inflation workers’ wages are falling behind.
