For many Australians, the humble Coles mudcake is more than just a dessert—it’s a birthday staple, a last-minute party lifesaver, and a sweet treat that’s become a cult classic.
But if you plan to pick one up for your next celebration, you might want to act fast. A major pay dispute at the factory responsible for baking these beloved cakes could soon leave supermarket shelves looking a little bare.
This week, more than 150 workers at Allied Pinnacle’s Altona North bakery in Melbourne—the team behind Coles’ iconic chocolate mudcakes and a host of other baked goodies—walked off the job as part of a planned 48-hour strike.
The reason? A standoff over wages and working conditions that’s been brewing for months.
The United Workers Union (UWU), which represents the bakery staff, says employees are demanding a 15 per cent pay rise over three years to keep up with the soaring cost of living.
So far, the company has only offered annual increases of 4 per cent, 3.75 per cent, and 3.5 per cent—figures the union says simply don’t cut it in today’s economic climate.
‘Wage offers with a three or a four in front of them just don’t cut it in the face of food, housing, medical, petrol, school and care costs,’ said Adam Auld, UWU’s food and beverage coordinator. ‘Workers need a real wage increase.’
Adding to the frustration, the union claims that night-shift workers at the Altona site are being paid less than their counterparts at other Allied Pinnacle bakeries, further fuelling the dispute.
Allied Pinnacle isn’t just responsible for Coles’ mudcakes. The company supplies cakes, cookies, croissants, doughnuts, and loaves to over 3,000 customers nationwide, including major supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, Bakers Delight, local cafes, and small businesses.
On a typical day, the Altona North factory churns out nearly 15,000 mudcakes destined for celebrations nationwide.
With workers downing tools for two days, the union has warned that ‘there will be no baking goods currently hitting the supermarkets for the next 48 hours.’
While Allied Pinnacle says it’s working hard to minimise disruption and maintain supply. Coles has reassured customers that there’s currently enough stock on. However, the situation could change quickly if the dispute drags on.
‘Workers have made the hard decision to take strike action today because the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite after years of prices for essential goods and services going up,’ Auld said.
Both Coles and Allied Pinnacle have tried to reassure customers that there’s no need to panic, at least for now. Coles says there’s plenty of mudcake stock in the system, and Woolworths doesn’t anticipate immediate shortages.
Allied Pinnacle, meanwhile, said it respects its employees’ right to strike and is committed to reaching a ‘fair and sustainable agreement’.
‘Maintaining supply and service to customers is a key priority, and disruption is not anticipated at this stage,’ a company spokesperson said.
Have you noticed any shortages of your favourite baked goods at Coles or Woolworths? Do you support the bakery workers’ call for higher wages? And what’s your go-to mudcake alternative if the shelves are bare? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
Also read: New Coles in-store feature could speed up shopping—if you’re ready to give it a go
