The AFL has an unwanted problem on their hands with a potential ball shortage set to hit ahead of the finals.
Sherrin workers are threatening to go on strike over a pay dispute following a proposed increase for the next two years.
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Channel 9 reporter Tom Morris broke the news on Thursday which stated the 15+ workers were offered a 4 per cent per annum increase but are chasing a 5 per cent per annum increase which would equate to 10 per cent across the two-year deal.
That equates to $45,000.
The staff are employed by US company Russell Athletic to hand stitch the footballs and the dispute has now landed with the Fair Work Commission.
The United Workers Union has filed for a protected action ballot order. Once approved they plan to engage in a protected industrial action unless a resolution is reached beforehand, according to Nine.
The company produce between 200-250 Sherrins per week for both the AFL and AFLW competitions. Even a few days off would lead to a shortage.
The report however did add that there is a backlog of footballs to last roughly six weeks which would be on the eve of AFL finals.
A potential strike could impact the production of new balls with state of the art chips which are set to be trialled in the AFLW this year.
“Gil McLachlan’s salary last year was $33,653 per week without bonuses,” Steve Howie from United Workers Union said to Channel 9.
“So a pay rise for Sherrin workers would be equivalent to one week and two days salary of the AFL CEO.”
