Industrial Action Brings Bridgestone Production to a Stop

Industrial unrest is continuing at the newly privatised Bridgestone Australia plant in Salisbury, South Australia. The tyremaker has taken the decision to halt production at the plant while it tries to resolve its differences with the factory’s 600 workers. A union campaign in support of a new enterprise agreement began in early March.

The company stated on March 27 that the campaign – including overtime bans and four-hour stoppages – had caused significant disruption to production during the month. “Despite further discussions between the parties, an escalation in industrial action this week has forced the company to inform its employees that it has suspended production for three days, commencing this evening,” Bridgestone announced. However the company was quick to add that the decision would not disrupt customer supply and delivery.

Bridgestone also warned the workers of the consequences of continuing action that harmed the plant’s viability. Chairman and CEO Mac Ohashi said “Continuing industrial action may impact on the company’s capacity to pay future wage increases.”