Hundreds of timber workers in the region will receive pay rises of between 4.6% and 5.5% following agreement being reached with the CFMMEU Manufacturing Division, Timberlink, Borgs Manufacturing and OneFortyOne Sawmill in the past three weeks.

CFMMEU Greater Green Triangle District Secretary Brad Coates said that following negotiations with the three largest timber manufacturing sites in the region, “members will benefit for a substantial pay increase and improvements to their conditions”.

“Members at Timberlink Tarpeena have accepted pay increases of 4.6% – 4.5% -3.5% for a three-year deal with a full review of all classification levels with a view of increasing members pay,” he said.

“At Borgs Manufacturing, members accepted a 4.7% increase this year and increases aligned with the March quarter CPI in the subsequent two years for a three-year deal.

“OneFortyOne members have accepted a two-year deal, with 5.5% increase this year and 4% in the second year along with increased personal leave extra shift loading for night shift, paid vaccination leave and a number of other improved conditions.”

Mr Coates said the outcomes were achieved without industrial action and strong resolve from CFMMEU members who were paid substantially above the minimum award rate, which was lifted by 4.6% as a result of the national wage cases outcome.