Pulp & Paper Workers stand firm over Opal Lockout & Move a
'No Confidence' Motion at Mass Meeting
At a mass meeting on Monday 20 January 2025 the locked out Opal workers vowed to stand firm and seek a fair deal that does not undermine their existing terms and conditions. CFMEU Manufacturing Division National Secretary, Michael O'Connor addressed the standing room only meeting of the 308 locked out production workers, telling them "This lock-out by Opal is not just attacking you, but your family and your community.
Workers then passed a unanimous motion of No Confidence in Opal Senior Management. Workers at the Maryvale Mill have no faith that the senior management of Opal understand what is required to operate the mill in an efficient and safe manner.
"Opal management believe that offering our members an effective 10% pay cut by stripping away their terms and conditions is acceptable. Our members are prepared for a long fight to maintain their existing Agreement terms" said CFMEU Maryvale Sub-Branch Secretary Anthony Pavey.
The union members supported the Maryvale mill during difficult periods, including in 2016, when the workers agreed to a 5 per cent paycut and a resetting of wages to secure the future of the mill.
Opal locked the 308 production workers out of the Maryvale Mill on Thursday 16 January at 6.00PM with one hour notice. This disproportionate action was in retaliation for a 6 hour protected industrial action stoppage in one part of the plant. The Union and Opal have been in negotiations since October for an Enterprise Agreement.
