National boycott of saputo dairy products called off as maintenance workers secure wage increase

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) and the Communications, Electrical, and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has announced the end of a national boycott on Saputo dairy products following the resolution of the 20-week long pay parity dispute.

Maintenance workers at Saputo Dairy’s Burnie site ended their 20-week strike following successful negotiations that will see their wages rise by 21.7 per cent, aligning with their mainland counterparts.

The strike, which began in June, was driven by demands for pay parity with workers at Saputo’s mainland sites who were paid 23.5 per cent more. 

Workers at the Burnie factory today reached an agreement for a 21.7 per cent pay rise, effective at the end of November 2025.

CEPU Tasmania State Secretary Chris Clark said the outcome was a testament to the “resilience and unity” of the union members who stood together to show that Tasmanian workers must be treated the same as those in other states. 

“We are pleased Saputo Dairy has listened to the voices of its workers and taken this meaningful step to ensuring Tasmanians are treated the same as other Australians,” Mr Clark said.

“We look forward to fostering a cooperative relationship with Saputo built on respect and trust.” 

AMWU State Secretary Jacob Batt said union members and their families have shown incredible strength. 

“This agreement is a win not only for them but all Tasmanians. This result has shown loudly that Tasmanians are no longer the poor cousin of the mainland,” Mr Batt said. 

Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter also congratulated AMWU and CEPU members on their success and perseverance.

“They sacrificed a lot by going on strike for 20 weeks and they won – a proud win for them, and a proud win for Tasmania,” he said.

“I want to a see a Tasmania where people aren’t tempted to leave the state to chase higher wages for a job they could be doing here.”

“The Saputo workers stood up on behalf of all Tasmanian workers to prove that we aren’t worth less.”

The AMWU and CEPU are now urging the public to continue supporting these workers by celebrating with a cheeseboard of Saputo products including brands such as Devondale, King Island Dairy, South Cape, and Tasmanian Heritage.