Arnott's Workers Strike: Pay Rise Less Than a Packet of Biscuits

Adelaide workers who produce some of Australia's most iconic snacks have walked off the job, protesting pay rises that have amounted to less than $1 per hour—not even enough to buy a packet of biscuits.

The United Workers Union reported that about 160 day and night shift employees at Arnott's Marleston factory participated in a 24-hour work stoppage on Tuesday, marking the first industrial action at the site in over three decades. Dozens of workers gathered outside the factory before marching down Marion Road.

Union spokesperson Adam Auld highlighted that the Galway Avenue site produces beloved Australian treats like Tim Tams, Iced VoVos, and other Arnott's chocolate products.

"What you'll find is these workers have to actually work overtime to make their pay packet stretch," Mr Auld said. "Just think for the last four years they haven't been ahead of the cost of living, and right now, we're asking for Arnott's to come to the table with something that will get them ahead."

Workers have received 2.5% annual wage increases for the past four years, which Mr Auld says equates to less than $1 per hour. Meanwhile, the cost of a packet of Arnott's biscuits can be as low as $1.50.

Arnott's, owned by private equity giant KKR, has offered a 9.5% wage increase over the next two years, but Mr Auld stated that 95% of the workforce voted no to that offer last week.

An Arnott's spokesperson expressed disappointment, saying, "While we respect our employees' right to take protected industrial action, we're disappointed given the constructive discussions that have taken place. We remain committed to negotiating in good faith with the union and are focused on reaching an agreement that supports both our employees and the long-term sustainability of our operations in Adelaide."

This strike comes after Arnott's made 120 jobs redundant at the Marleston factory in 2014, moving those positions to Sydney and Brisbane.

The iconic Arnott's biscuit empire began when William Arnott arrived from Scotland in 1848, opening his first bakery in the Maitland region of New South Wales. The development of the Milk Arrowroot biscuit in 1882 helped Arnott's crack the Sydney market and become a national brand. After several acquisitions, the company was sold to KKR in 2019.