The union predicted the action resulted in a complete shutdown of the plant, for 24 hours, but this could not be confirmed by management.
The strike is expected to finish at 11pm on Friday, May 8.
The industrial action is being taken by Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union members.
The union has claimed the Arnott’s company wants to reduce staff, but the company said there were no plans to reduce the workforce size and in the last 12 months permanent roles had increased following investment in a pouch production line.
“As part of ongoing negotiations, we have put forward a reasonable and defined cap on casual employment, not an indefinite arrangement, as reported,” the company said.
“This proposal was developed in response to union requests aimed at improving work‑life balance together with balancing seasonal fluctuations.”
An Arnott’s group spokesperson said they had engaged constructively and in good faith with union representatives throughout this process and would continue those discussions with a view to reaching a resolution.
“The claims under consideration have material cost implications, and any outcome must be sustainable for the long‑term health of our operations in Shepparton,” the Arnott’s spokesperson said.
The union said management had offered a 7.7 per cent wage increase over three years, with a condition around the ratio of casual staff.
“We are facing an alarming shift towards precarious employment on site,” AMWU site organiser Candice Tierney said.
“The management’s push to increase the casual cap from the current limit of 15 per cent to an indefinite number is outrageous, and risks the job security of our members.
“We are not just fighting for a pay rise; we are fighting for our rights and the future of secure jobs in Shepparton.”
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