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Ford vehicle builders, organized in the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, gained a nine day fortnight in October and better leave provisions as part of a 15% wage rise deal to April 2003. In turn Ford gets streamlined supply & logistics, and 24 extra production days per year. SWWAC hasn’t confirmed whether the 9 day fortnight was a compression of the current 38 hours, or the 35 hour week workers were seeking, nor what penalties/incentives are written in for overtime. Employees are to get shift premiums on all public holidays. If it is compressed hours, not shorter hours, it opens up prospects for extra overtime being worked, rather than new workers coming in to share the more cont-inuous shifts. Jac Nasser, Ford Chairman said a few months ago that he supported a 35 hour week so long as workers were more productive (’The Age’ 21.3.00). They certainly are at Ford Australia! (www.amwu.asn.au/what/current/showcampaign 6.10.00)
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