AFL Faces Ball Shortage Amid Sherrin Factory Pay Dispute
Last updated on July 12, 2024 at 12:00 pm
Posted on July 4, 2024 at 20:19 pm
The AFL is at risk of running out of footballs just before the finals due to a pay dispute at the Sherrin factory in Keysborough. This factory is responsible for making the official balls used in AFL games. Here’s a detailed look at what’s going on:
What’s the Pay Dispute About?
Current Offer: The factory has proposed a 4% annual pay increase for the next two years.
Workers’ Demand: The workers want a 5% increase each year, totaling a 10% rise over two years.
These 15+ workers, employed by US company Russell Athletic, hand-stitch the footballs and feel their demand for a higher pay rise is justified.
Union Involvement
The United Workers Union has stepped in and filed for a protected action ballot order with the Fair Work Commission. If the ballot is approved, the workers can legally strike unless the issue is resolved beforehand.
Impact of the Strike
Weekly Production: Workers produce 200-250 Sherrin footballs each week for AFL and AFLW games.
Backlog: There’s already a six-week backlog of new Kangaroo Brand Sherrins.
Future Production: A strike could affect the production of new sportable balls with advanced chips set to be used in the AFLW season.
Financial Perspective
Steve Howie from the United Workers Union highlighted the disparity in earnings by comparing the workers' pay rise demand to the AFL CEO’s salary:
AFL CEO Salary: $33,653 per week without bonuses.
Pay Rise Cost: The total pay rise for the workers is equivalent to what the AFL CEO earns in one week and two days.
AFL’s Response
As of now, the AFL has declined to comment on the ongoing dispute.
What Could Happen Next?
If the workers go on strike, the AFL could face a significant shortage of footballs for the finals. This could disrupt games and cause major operational issues for the league.
So, that's the current situation with the AFL and the Sherrin factory. It’s a developing story, and we’ll have to wait and see how it unfolds. Let’s hope they find a resolution before it impacts the finals.
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