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Workers at Australia’s only currency printing facility, Note Printing Australia, have for the time being chosen not to continue industrial action after their strike on August 7 over issues stemming from alleged intimidation and workplace harassment. Around 170 workers at the Craigeburn facility in Victoria met mid-week after a four hour strike on the previous Thursday had failed to resolve the issues.According to Steve Walsh, spokesperson for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU), the workers were fed up with not having their safety ensured in the workplace, and that they are concerned that Note Printing Australia officials were not taking the bullying complaints seriously.
The Union and John Leckenby, Note Printing Australia CEO met on Wednesday afternoon, but no immediate resolution was reached in time to prevent minor money shortages across Australia yesterday.
The central bank has also been approached by the Union but has refused to become involved. Note Printing Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of the central bank, but has its own board of management. It prints polymer banknotes for Australia and a number of overseas countries. This is the first occurrence of industrial action at the plant in 17 years.
