Worker Sacked After Raising Concerns of Racism at Lilydale Chicken Factory

The NUW is standing behind a worker who it suspects was sacked after he raised concerns to management about racist behaviour in the workplace.

Union member Anyuon Mabior who works at the Lilydale chicken factory in Adelaide complained to management after he discovered a racist email and was told the matter would be investigated.

Management later urged Anyuon to sign a statement saying he had no issues with racism, dismissing his initial claim.

“After I refused to sign, they said I was fabricating stories,” Anyuon commented. He was then promptly sacked.

In fighting for justice for Anyuon, the National Union of Workers have lodged an unfair dismissal claim through Fair Work Australia and will also seek a time and wages inspection.

Adelaide Poultry, Anyuon’s employer, employs many poultry processing workers who are allegedly on sub-contracting arrangements where they are supposedly-self employed and are therefore responsible for their own tax, work cover and other expenses. The site employs around 300 mostly-immigrant workers, 200 of which are labour hire, many, it suspects, are paid below the award wage.

“We think, given a real fear on the part of Lilydale workers, that they can’t voice concerns about their basic rights,” SA Lead Organiser Dave Garland said.

As a result of what has happened to Anyuon, his workmates and the wider community have rallied around to support him and will stage a protest this Friday at 1:30pm outside Adelaide Poultry at 22 Moss Rd Wingfield.