A MASKED man on an ostrich outside Bendigo defence manufacturer Thales is turning heads.
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The unusual get-up is MSS security guard Peter’s latest ploy in his fight for fair pay conditions.
Peter, who does not want to reveal his surname, has spent almost three months manning a picket line outside Thales.
Peter’s impressive array of costumes this week gained support from the Australian Council of Trade Unions president Ged Kearney, who said his commitment to the cause was admirable.
Peter said this week’s costume – Mr Bean riding an ostrich – had a special meaning, like all of his other weekly costume changes.
“Basically, it’s just the company’s head in the sand,” he said.
“MSS don’t want to listen to anything that their employees are saying.
“And Mr Bean symbolises ‘bean counter’ – the company counting beans as it’s really tight.”
Peter is fast approaching his 100th day of straight protest.
“I’d like to call on all MSS guards who are considering joining United Voice to please do so now,” he said.
“It will send a message to the company that we’ve had enough.
“I’m getting a bit slim on costumes so I’m not sure what I’m going to do for the 100th day.
“But I’m prepared to keep going for another three months if that’s what they want.”