Woolworths employees were encouraged to end any industrial action after the result of the vote on a new workplace agreement was made public.
Corpvote confirmed that of those who voted, 62 per cent of Woolworths staff voted ‘yes’ to approve the deal and 38 per cent voted ‘no’ to disapprove of the new working conditions.
The result means that the majority voted yes.
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A Woolworths spokesman confirmed the agreement – detailed at the bottom of the page – will come into effect from 21 October 2024, subject to approval by the Fair Work Commission.
The representative also said that the increased pay rates will be effective from July 1 this year.
Despite losing the vote, the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU), which opposed the deal, discouraged its members from walking out.
In an email written by members of the RAFFWU Woolworths bargaining team, which was leaked to 7NEWS.com.authe union celebrated the fact that more than 35,000 members – or 38 percent – opposed the agreement, describing it as a national record.
But it said it was “important” that members take no action while RAFFWU considers its next steps.
“Members have led the biggest campaign for a better deal in Australia’s history. Well done to every member who moved heaven and earth in our fight for a fairer settlement,” the email said.
“Unfortunately, the result of the vote was announced as ‘NO’ to 38 percent of those who voted. That’s 35,998 No votes – an Australian record.
“Of course, this means that the result announced by CorpVote for Woolworths is a positive vote of 62 per cent. CorpVote said 94,754 out of 124,590 voted, or 76 percent. That’s a lot more than 2019, when only 62 percent participated. Last time, only 6.5 percent voted “No”. We increased the “No” votes by 500%! The voting declaration is attached.
“It is important that members end any strike action they may have had for the time being. We’re not admitting that we can’t take action, but to be safe, we’re suspending action for the time being.
“We are now considering what steps to take. We have so many reports of misrepresentation, pressure and other concerns that we will consider carefully how we provide relevant evidence to the Fair Work Commission when Woolworths applies to approve the settlement.’
In the correspondence, the union addressed claims that some members had difficulty voting.
“We received reports that workers tried to vote, only to be blocked because CorpVote registered them as having already voted. We need you to contact us if this happens to you or someone you know,” the email continued.
“RAFFWU is not going anywhere and we will continue to be the fighting union for all Woolworths workers. The 36 per cent NO vote is a huge result – not what we wanted, but a far greater concern for Woolworths and the SDA than they could have imagined just a few weeks ago.
“We have not given up on a fairer deal – we will assess the case we can make and we need evidence from members to put our best case forward. “
Members were then encouraged to take the union’s survey or contact them for more information.
What will Woolworths workers get?
A Woolworths a spokesman said 7NEWS.com.au on the outcome, saying: “Subject to approval by the Fair Work Commission, the new agreement will come into effect from 21 October 2024 (or the first full pay period at least 7 days after FWC approval of the agreement).
“However, Woolworths has previously confirmed that the increased pay rates under the agreement will take effect earlier than necessary and from 1 July 2024.
“The agreement includes:
- Carry forward in full the 3.75 percent increase in base pay rates ordered by the FWC in 2024, as well as provisions to increase base pay rates in 2025, 2026, and 2027 by the percentage increase ordered each year by The Fair Work Commission as part of the annual pay review;
- Ability to work four days per week for team members;
- Opportunity to work with our brands, for example supermarket team members can work in a Metro store;
- Increasing the minimum part-time hours from 10 to 12 hours per week; and
- 10 days of compassionate leave in the event of the death of a spouse, de facto partner or child.
