Workers at the Australian warehouse of multinational company Ingram Micro have taken strike action today for job security and cost-of-living wage increases.
Ingram Micro is a key tech supplier to JB HiFi, Kmart and Big W, holding the sole contract for technology company HP in Australia. The American-based company provides logistics services for major tech brands, such as Apple, PlayStation, Fitbit and Xbox, and globally brings in billions of dollars in profit.
United Workers Union members at Ingram Micro have been negotiating for a new agreement since October last year and say they have been forced to take this step for a fair outcome.
Comment attributable to Mel Gatfield, NSW State Secretary:
“Workers are under enormous financial pressure right now. They have no choice but to take action to win cost-of-living wage increases.
“The cost of essential goods and services are going up; the cost of bread is up over 7%, the cost of rent is up over 7% and people are paying over 8% more on insurance.
“Workers at Ingram Micro are on strike because not only does the current company offer not provide fair wage increases, but it also fails to give them the job certainty they need.
“As Ingram Micro looks to go public with an US$8 billion IPO, the company is clearly in a financial position to respect the workers that have built its worth.
“This May Day action is a shot across the bow. If the company fails to listen, there is the risk of more stoppages, which could affect the supply of tech products around Australia.”