Workers who manufacture Mexican food in Victoria have won a rostered day-off each month and are now preparing to improve pay and conditions.

AMWU senior delegate, Ruth Faumuina, said the workers were thrilled to see the results of a union campaign to build a better deal.

“Thank god we’ve got it (the RDO). The workers are so happy to have that time, to spend it with their kids and have that extra day of rest.

“The majority of the workers are women with families. So it’ll mean a lot.”

Ms Faumuina said growth in the union membership at Mission Foods would allow workers to negotiate an improved union collective agreement later this year. 

“Everyone is happy here but they want to see a rise in pay. They deserve a pay rise. At the moment we’re on $17 an hour, we’d like to get at least $20.

“My goal is to get 100 percent membership by the end of this year. I’m hoping everyone can work together for the sake of ourselves and our future.”

AMWU Food Division organiser Jason Hefford said union activity had grown steadily at the site since it’s establishment three years ago.

“A lot of the workers are new migrants to Australia. Workers’ rights, collectivism…these are new concepts. In some cases they have come from countries where unions are attacked.

“We’ve worked hard to get our face out there. To tell workers ‘we’re ok, we’re here fighting for your rights – get on board and act together.’

“Most of our major food sites in Victoria are on at least $20 on an hour. So it’s certainly feasible for members to achieve that here at Mission Foods.

“Today we saw a great turnout for our meeting about the new RDO. They’re starting to recognise what is possible through collective action.”