A strike involving over 200 workers at a PepsiCo-owned Smith’s Snackfood factory in Adelaide, Australia, has been ongoing for three weeks due to a dispute over pay and conditions. The workers, members of the United Workers Union (UWU), rejected multiple pay offers from PepsiCo, arguing that they fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
The central issue is the erosion of real wages since 2019. While PepsiCo claims its offer is “fair,” the UWU contends it amounts to a real wage cut, especially considering current inflation rates. Workers are demanding a pay increase that addresses the increasing cost of living and recognizes their contributions to the company’s profits.
Negotiations between the UWU and PepsiCo have stalled, with the union accusing the company of intransigence and the workers remaining on strike. The strike has disrupted production at the Smith’s Snackfood factory, impacting the supply of popular snack products.
Despite the UWU describing PepsiCo’s offer as insulting, their own pay claim isn’t significantly higher and is unlikely to improve the workers’ real wages compared to 2019 levels. The strike continues as workers seek a resolution that addresses their concerns about the rising cost of living and the erosion of their purchasing power.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/05/15/nuad-m15.html