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Unions call for end to boycott of Carlton Breweries after dispute settled

Picketers and protesters turned up weekly outside CUB's Abbotsford plant. Phot

Picketers and protesters turned up weekly outside CUB's Abbotsford plant. Phot Photo: ABC News.

A deal has been struck between Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) and maintenance workers at the Abbotsford plant in Melbourne following a long-running dispute, unions representing the workers have said.

The Electric Trades Union and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union said in a statement that all picketing workers had been invited to return to their jobs at the plant.

As a result, the unions have called for “an immediate end” to an ongoing boycott of the company’s beers and ciders.

Earlier this year, thousands of people rallied in support of the workers, who fell under the controversial Catalyst Services Enterprise Agreement 2014, which was rolled out at CUB’s Abbotsford plant in Melbourne.

Under the agreement, 55 electricians and fitters were told that their hire contractor was being replaced by Programmed Skilled, which struck the agreement under the name of a subsidiary, Catalyst Recruitment.

There was a provision to allow the contractor to reduce their pay to just 50 cents above the award whenever Programmed chose.

The 2014 agreement was voted on by just three casual workers in Perth two years ago.

Most of the workers refused to sign up and have been picketing the Abbotsford brewery for about six months.

CUB, unions to proceed with ‘mutual respect’

“All picketing workers have been invited to return to work at their previous positions at the Abbotsford brewery on fair and decent union terms and conditions, which provide job security to the workers,” the ETU said in a statement.

“All parties agreed to productivity and efficiency improvements that will be implemented at the brewery.”

“CUB and the unions have mapped out a better approach based on mutual respect, productivity and a shared passion to make the best beers with the best skilled workers.”

CUB has been contacted for comment.

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