MORE than 200 timber mill workers remain locked out of Carter Holt Harvey at Mytleford after industrial dispute talks failed on Friday.
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Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) assistant district secretary Andrew Vendramini said about 207 workers – including casual staff – were affected by the industrial action.
Mr Vendramini said the company would not meet any of the workers’ log of claims.
“In fact the company has gone backwards on what it’s offered,” he said.
“The 2 per cent (pay rise) on the table is now only being offered from the time the agreement is signed.
“The guys are already into their second year without any increase in their wages.”
Mr Vendramini said workers wanted a 3 per cent pay rise annually, one week’s annual leave in the Christmas period and better income protection insurance.
He said the company had declined to meet the leave and income protection insurance claims.
“It’s really disappointing; our guys are pretty fired up about it,” Mr Vendramini said.
“They are saying the company can lock us out but we’re not going to be defeated; they’re not going to starve us out.
“The support from the town has been fantastic; some have dropped off food and money.”
Carter Holt Harvey has declined to comment to The Border Mail.
CFMEU's national secretary Michael O'Connor will address workers on site at noon on Saturday.
Australian Forest Industries established the mill in 1975 and Carter Holt Harvey bought it in 1995.
A $50 million upgrade of the Myrtleford site about six years ago made it Australia’s largest plywood mill.
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