Union infighting could undermine progress on the first multi-employer pay deal. 

Reports say the first multi-employer agreement under the Albanese government’s new laws is on the verge of collapse due to political infighting within the manufacturing workers union. 

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) is negotiating an industry deal in New South Wales covering 23 businesses and around 1,000 workers. 

However, talks with air-conditioner manufacturers have stalled after the union axed its lead negotiator, Dave Kelly, who was one of three officials within the AMWU’s state branch to have been stood down or dismissed in the past two months for allegedly supporting a challenge to the branch leadership at the union’s upcoming elections. 

The AMWU NSW is now facing legal action in the Federal Court and Fair Work Commission over its alleged actions against the officials. 

The employers are seeking to formalise qualifications in the sector and link higher pay rises to workers gaining new skills. 

The AMWU had declined to answer questions about the status of the bargaining or the departure of Mr Kelly, saying the matter was currently in court. 

However, on March 8, AMWU national secretary Steve Murphy had said that “discussions are ongoing and progressing well”.

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