SPC and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) have signed a new three-year agreement to ensure the Shepparton-based business can continue to expand and ensure manufacturing jobs are retained in Australia.
The Enterprise Bargaining Agreement was signed this week after several months of negation between SPC and the AMWU.
SPC CEO Robert Giles said that working together with unions and governments will help ensure the long-term security and viability of food manufacturing in Australia.
“Throughout the pandemic, it’s become even more clear that for Australia’s food security we need to be less reliant on imports and we must stand on our own two feet and increase our local production of goods,” said Giles.
“We are proud of our rich heritage, we know that there is no better way to ensure food manufacturing security than to follow our business strategy which is to become a global player in food production. With the right support and the right team, if you think globally, we can take our Australian innovation to the world. This in turn supports employees, growers and the local community.”
“We are pleased to have reached an outcome that works well for our workforce and will support the business as we continue to grow, now and into the future. We’d like to thank the AMWU for their time and willingness to negotiate in what has been, and continues to be, unprecedented times.”
In June, SPC announced a joint venture with German-based Döhler called Gourmet Ingredients, which will market and sell new products through Döhler’s extensive sales and distribution channels.
SPC also acquired manufacturing superfood brand PomLife, including its manufacturing processing plant.
The new agreement with the AMWU will be sent to the Fair Work Commission to be ratified.
