The Pernod Ricard Winery workers’ strike in action. Image courtesy United Workers Union

An agreement has been reached between winery workers at the Jacob’s Creek facility in the Barossa, South Australia and Pernod Ricard Winemakers over improvements to working conditions.

On Tuesday, 13 August, the winery workers voted in favour of a new agreement, following overtime bans and rolling 24-hour stoppages last week.

The workers have secured a 5% wage increase, backdated to 1 July 2024, over the next 12 months + $1,274 bonus payment (equivalent to 2%), as well as a tiered payout of personal leave upon termination of employment, with employees eligible for up to 30%, depending on their years of service.

The new agreement will also see workers entitled to one additional day of annual leave per year, and an increase from 3 to 5 days for medical certificates and shift-loading on personal carer’s leave.

The workers will also have improved progression to grade 4, which the union representing the workers said will provide better opportunities for workers to upskill with fewer obstacles.

“This is a huge win for members in South Australia and another example of what can be achieved when workers stand united and take action for a fair-deal,” said the United Workers Union, which has been representing the winery workers.

However, the fight is not yet over according to the union, which noted that members were already “gearing up” for next year’s bargaining with Jacob’s Creek’s new owners, Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL).

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