Metal workers from Perth company Heat Exchangers Australia (HEA) have begun industrial action after six months of protracted negotiations with their employer, multinational manufacturer KNM.

AMWU delegate and boilermaker George O’Neill said the decision to begin indefinite bans on overtime together with 24-stoppages was not taken lightly by the shop floor.

“Nobody wants to take action but we’ve been put in this situation by management. They are not moving. We’ve tried to resolve this, we’ve dropped some our claims and we’ve compromised but so far they haven’t moved.”

Members are seeking a 36-hour week, a wage increase of 6% and 5% over a two-year period and the payment of sick leave entitlements upon termination.

So far the company has refused all worker proposals.

“It’s the usual stories from management. ‘Last year was a bad year, we’re competing with other companies and it’s just tough times’. But our people are ready to stand up and be counted.

“We haven’t had a good twelve months. But it hasn’t been the fault of the blokes on the floor, it’s been bad decisions by management.”

HEA, who work primarily in the petro-chemical industry supplying pressure vessels and heat exchangers to resource giants Alcoa, Tiwest and Woodside are owned by a Malaysian group with global interests – including a sister manufacturer in Coffs Harbour.

“When we first began negotiating we were offered a 3.5% pay increase. Management said it was a generous offer but when we put it to them that they (workers at W.E Smith in Coffs Harbour) received a 5.5% wage increase, management were a little embarrassed that we found out.”

Site organiser Alan Lindsey said the group were united in their action and determined to see an improvement in conditions. 

“The members are really united in reaching an agreement. Seeking a better deal, negotiating with the company and pursuing protection action has increased membership to nearly 100%.

“They realise they are all in this together.”