National Distribution Union and Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union representatives will be meeting with Godfrey Hirst in Wellington over the next two days to discuss the fate of Feltex workers.

The workers are under threat of reduced terms and conditions under a new collective agreement with Godfrey Hirst but the unions are determined to get a decent deal.

NDU National Secretary Laila Harré says a reduction in pay and conditions is unacceptable.

“Because of Feltex’s size and stature its collective agreement was a benchmark for the industry, now Godfrey Hirst has signalled their intention to reduce that benchmark and that will impact further than just this one company ? we’re going to fight to stop that happening.”

EPMU National Secretary Andrew Little agrees.

“Godfrey Hirst has got the company cheap, now they want the workers cheap too, that’s just not good enough.”

Union representatives including Feltex workers will be available for comment at the NDU Wellington office (307 Willis Street) at 4pm.

ENDS

Contact:

Simon Oosterman (Media Liason) on 021 922 551
Tony Sparks (Feltex Riccarton Site Delegate) on 021 173 1187
Laila Harré (NDU National Secretary) on 021 839 661
Andrew Little (EPMU National Secretary) on 027 551 3476