Press releases

Press Release, Thursday 21 February 2008, 9.35am

Bunnings workers stop work over NZ$6 Aussie pay gap

Bunnings Warehouse workers around the country will stop work for two hours at 12 noon today over a $6 an hour starting rate pay gap with their Australian co-workers, says the National Distribution Union. (1)

But the DIY chain doesn't want branding at the stop works and has called a mufti day at some stores taking action.

Workers from several Auckland hardware stores will hold a rally at the company's head office at 78 Carbine Rd, Mt Wellington at 12.30pm.

Low paying employers can expect an industrial campaign for a $15 minimum wage rate in collective agreements from next year, says the National Distribution Union.

NDU national secretary Laila Harré says that while the union will be campaigning politically during election year for a legislated $15 minimum wage as well as changes to the ERA to promote industry bargaining, strong industrial campaigns will be needed to achieve a $15 pay rates in many collective agreements.

Ms Harré says that the new $12 minimum wage is not high enough.

Comments in the Christchurch Press by a Picton supermarket owner are politically motivated and self-serving, says supermarket union, the National Distribution Union

In the Press this morning, Supervalue Picton franchise operator Casey Smit claims Progressive is advising supermarkets not to employ teenagers because of significant increases in the company’s youth rates next year.

The Supervalue franchise brand is owned by Progressive.

Federation of Ambulance Officer Unions of New Zealand welcomes the announcement today that the Health Select Committee will support an inquiry into the Ambulance Service.
FAOUNZ National Secretary Karl Andersen says that the unions are looking forward to working collectively towards achieving an effective and well resourced Ambulance Service for the benefit of all New

The union for retail workers is urging MPs to vote today to send minimum wage bill originally aimed at ending minimum wage discrimination against 16 and 17 year olds to Parliament's committee stage where further amendments can be considered.

A protest and gig with Nesian Mystik in Auckland tomorrow at 12 noon, Britomart, is the last chance for young workers to legislatively end youth rates for 16 and 17 year olds, says EndYouthRatesNow.com.

The Government will vote and make any final amendments to a watered down youth rates bill as early as next Wednesday the 15th of August.

EndYouthRatesNow.com spokesperson Simon Oosterman says that Labour and New Zealand First used their select committee majority to water down Green MP Sue Bradford’s bill to end youth discrimination against 16 and 17 year olds.

Union and Supermarket Chain reach a deal to lift industry standard, inc youth rates

The National Distribution Union and New Zealand’s largest supermarket employer Progressive Enterprises have reached agreement, on a deal that will set the standard for almost half of the country’s supermarket workers.

Progressive Enterprises Ltd, a division of Woolworths Limited operates supermarkets under the Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths banners. Union members start voting on a recommended settlement this week.

The National Distribution Union and New Zealand’s largest supermarket employer Progressive Enterprises have reached agreement, on a deal that will set the standard for almost half of the country’s supermarket workers.

Progressive Enterprises Ltd, a division of Woolworths Limited operates supermarkets under the Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths banners. Union members start voting on a recommended settlement this week.

When ratified, the deal will lift base pay rates for Foodtown and Countdown employees up to the higher pay level of Woolworths employees.

The National Distribution Union wants the Prime Minister to explain signals given by her in Parliament yesterday of an end to country of origin labelling for textile, clothing and footwear products.

The NDU represents for textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) workers and says labelling has helped protect jobs in the industry as tariff reductions and free trade agreements take their toll.