Simplot pay rates

Can I say firstly that a number of members would have liked to respond to Senator Lambie's comments in the media directly, but are denied that opportunity by their employer under threat of disciplinary action.

The rates of pay for Simplot workers, unlike those of management, are on the public record and with a little basic research one would find that wages for a food worker, under their agreement for a 38-hour week, range from $45,072 to $58,590.

This is before tax, with maintenance workers receiving between $54,122 to $76,155 before tax.

Some workers have been so incensed by Senator Lambie's claims that they have provided us with copies of their pay slips and tax records. What evidence has the Senator provided to back up her assertions?

Workers at Simplot are simply seeking to renegotiate their current agreement, which expired at the end of February this year.

Like anyone else, they don't want to see cuts to their conditions of employment and living standards, and they want all Simplot workers to be treated equally.

Simplot workers subject to the agreement are meeting at all plants in the next few days to determine the continued suspension of industrial action, as the parties to the agreement are currently back in negotiations which we hope will result in a mutually agreed settlement.

Senator Lambie's ill-informed comments are not helpful.

Simplot workers have been happy to meet their Senator but to date, Senator Lambie has refused. The offer is still open.

— JOHN SHORT, AMWU state secretary.