AFL face Sherrin crisis which could derail the finals as workers threaten to strike in $45,000 pay dispute
- Sherrin shortage could hamper AFL finals
- Workers threaten to strike
- The wage dispute totals only $45,000
The AFL is at risk of a ball shortage on the eve of the season finals.
According to Nine, the production team at Sherrin, which consists of more than 15 people, is threatening to go on strike over a $45,000 pay dispute.
Staff at Sherrin’s Keysborough factory are reportedly angry after being offered a four per cent annual pay rise for the next two years.
The workers are demanding a five percent pay increase, which equates to ten percent over the term of the two-year agreement.
They are hired by US company Russell Athletic to hand-stitch the footballs and the United Workers Union has filed a protected action claim with the Fair Work Commission.
Once the vote is approved, members plan to launch a protected strike unless they can reach a solution.
The workforce typically produces 200-250 Sherrins for AFL and AFLW matches, meaning that any absence from work could jeopardise both competitions.
A wage dispute has arisen between Sherrin and factory workers, which could lead to strikes
This means the AFL finals could be in jeopardy due to a shortage of balls
The report shows there is still a backlog of balls for around six weeks, which could coincide with the final in September.
A strike also carries the risk of hitting new balls with the latest chips, which are currently being trialled in the women’s competition.
United Workers Union representative Steve Howie said: ‘Gil McLachlan’s salary last year was $33,653 a week, excluding bonuses. So a pay rise for Sherrin’s workers would be equivalent to the AFL CEO receiving one week and two days’ pay.’