Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has described as "astounding" workers' conditions at struggling fruit company SPC Ardmona, which include nine weeks of paid leave.
Federal cabinet last week rejected calls for assistance from SPC's parent company Coca-Cola Amatil, which was seeking a $25 million contribution to upgrade production facilities at its regional Victorian plant.
The government cited the company's over-generous enterprise agreement with workers as one reason for its reluctance to provide financial support.
SPC workers reportedly are being paid up to 58 per cent above award wage levels, and receive nine weeks of paid leave.
They also are entitled to 13 rostered days off, including a food preservers picnic day during a five-day Melbourne Cup long weekend.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Mr Hockey said he hadn't looked specifically at the 2012 SPC enterprise agreement.
"(But) if that's correct, that's astounding really," he told ABC Radio on Monday of a report in the Australian Financial Review.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will visit the SPC Ardmona plant in Shepparton later on Monday to speak to workers.
Labor has criticised the government for refusing to provide the $25 million in assistance.
Mr Hockey declared that everyone in Australia must do the "heavy lifting" under the coalition.
If enterprise agreements such the SPC deal fail, the parties involved should not come to the government "asking for other taxpayers' money", he said.
"The age of entitlement is over. The age of personal responsibility has begun," he said.
