Coca-Cola workers down tools in latest Australian factory strike complaining Pepsi pay more

Factory workers at soft drink powerhouse Coca-Cola are set to walk off the job, claiming the global giant pays staff significantly less than major rival Pepsi.

About 150 workers from Coke’s Northmead factory, in western Sydney, have voted to take industrial action which the union said could impact Christmas supply of the popular drink.

The decision comes days after Woolworths’ distribution centre workers secured a pay rise following a 17-day strike.

Electrical Trades Union NSW secretary Allen Hicks claimed the Coca-Cola workers would be better off at Pepsi.

“Despite doing the same work, workers in Coca-Cola’s Northmead factory are paid significantly lower than those working for Pepsi,” he said.

“Coca-Cola has a two-tiered wage system which sees some employees paid significantly less than their co-workers, even though they’re doing exactly the same job.”

In response, Coca-Cola Europacific said it was still in negotiations with workers at the Northmead Manufacturing and Logistics site on a new enterprise agreement.

“We continue to take a constructive approach to negotiations and have proposed an EA that we believe offers rates that are competitive to the market and above the award wage with greater benefits,” a spokesperson told AAP.

“Some of our employees at Northmead have made the decision to take action and we respect their right to do so.”

Coca-Cola workers also have issues with rostering and the company’s progression structure.

Mr Hicks said it was a new take on the age-old “Coke vs Pepsi” debate.

“All these workers want is to be paid in line with industry standards ... when it comes to treating its employees with respect, Pepsi is winning hands down,” he said.

Coca-Cola said it had contingency plans in place to help minimise any potential supply issues.

“We ... are confident that Australians will be able to enjoy our wide range of products during the festive season ... regardless of the action being taken at our Northmead facility,” the spokesperson said.

Woolworths reached a deal on Friday to reopen its distribution centres and end a 17-day strike.

After months of negotiations, the United Workers Union said it had secured wage increases above the rate of inflation and a new clause would be added to workplace agreements “that ensures that the workers will not be disciplined for the speed that they can work at”.

Woolworths said its four warehouses would be back to full capacity as soon as possible.