Workers at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, Australia’s largest sugar producer, have voted to accept a pay offer, the company announced on Friday. This decision ends a prolonged industrial dispute that had disrupted sugar production.
Wilmar Sugar, which is owned by Singapore’s Wilmar International, operates eight mills mainly in North Queensland, with most of its sugar output being exported.
The company stated that it will now focus on the ongoing harvest and on producing high-quality sugar for both domestic and export markets.
Jim Wilson, Secretary of the Australian Workers Union Northern District, confirmed that the agreement had been approved. He remarked, “While this outcome doesn’t meet all our members’ demands, it represents a significant victory for the sugar communities.” Wilson added that the entire community supported the members in their 18-month struggle.
Owen Menkens, Chairman of the peak industry body Canegrowers, welcomed the resolution and stressed the need for Queensland’s sugarcane industry to unite. “The dispute has dragged on too long, delaying cane crushing across much of the industry and causing significant anxiety for growers and harvesting contractors,” Menkens said. “With the agreement now in place, it’s time to move forward, support our mill workers and contractors, and work together to make the 2024 season successful. Let’s focus on achieving great results before December.”
