Fears grow for a chicken shortage at KFC, Woolworths and Coles in Australia

A chicken shortage could hit some of Australia’s most popular brands, including KFC and Woolworths, after workers at a major poultry supplier voted to quit their jobs on Friday over a pay dispute.

More than a thousand Inghams workers are taking strike action at the manufacturer’s factories in Western Australia and South Australia after wage negotiations collapsed.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and United Workers Union want a 6 percent pay increase each year for the next three years, something AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney said the ASX-listed company can “easily afford”.

“Inghams reported a profit of $60.4 million last financial year, an increase of 72 percent on the previous year,” he said.

“Our members only charge about $1.50 extra per hour to keep up with living expenses.

“Not only are they refusing to offer their employees a raise, but they have also begun using intimidation tactics to deter our members from taking protected industrial action.

“It’s abhorrent behavior when all these workers are asking for a fair wage.”

Inghams has a market capitalization of $1.25 billion and supplies chicken to Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, KFC, McDonalds and Subway.

The outage began at 12:01 a.m. Friday and will last until midnight.

The union said the move would likely cause shortages for the company’s customers.

Inghams supplies chicken to major brands including Woolworths, Coles and KFC. Photo: Australian Chicken Meat Federation

“Inghams has preyed on workers, threatened a lockout and spread propaganda to confuse workers about their protected rights,” McCartney said.

“We say enough is enough and it’s time to take action.”

The union said it would not rule out further strikes in the dispute.

Inghams has been contacted for comment.