After a lengthy battle that saw two weeks of employee strikes, Chemist Warehouse has agreed to a major wage increase. The Chemist Warehouse wage rise will jump by as much as 22 per cent and see a number of casual staff converted to permanent.

Chemist Warehouse distribution centre workers across Victoria and Queensland voted unanimously to return to work, following a consensus decision on new enterprise agreements by the brand and the National Union of Workers (NUW).

The new agreements will also provide greater security of employment and flexibility of hours.

Tim Kennedy, NUW national secretary said the result would lead to more respectful and productive workplace.

“At a time of serious wage stagnation, it’s great to see workers in their union collectively bargain for wage increases, secure jobs and respect at work,” Kennedy said.

Forklift drivers and trainers are set to benefit the most, with a 22.5 per cent wage rise over the next four years. The Chemist Warehouse wage rise will also see an immediate 8.75 per cent pay jump for distribution workers, upping to 18.75 per cent over the four-year period.

Damien Gance, director Chemist Warehouse said the decision was a step in the right direction for both parties.

“We see this as a great outcome for the business and our team,” Gance said.

“Our people are critical to our success, and we have been able to achieve a balance between rewarding our current team and being able to continue to grow and offer more job opportunities.”

The latest news comes just months after co-founder Jack Gance revealed that the brand would be restructuring its ownership model. In an interview with The Australian, Gance announced Chemist Warehouse would be moving from an individual partnership model to a full franchise model.