Supermarket workers will be holding two informational pickets in Dunedin today as a part of the ShelfRespect.org campaign for supermarket workers and distribution workers, says the National Distribution Union.

The first picket will be held at 11.30am to 1.00pm at Countdown Dunedin Central with the first informational picket held at a Foodstuffs supermarket at Pak ‘n Save South Dunedin at 4.00pm to 5.30pm.

Informational pickets have been held by Progressive Supermarket workers in Auckland (Grey Lynn, South Auckland, Browns Bay, Te Atatu South), Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch after negotiations with Progressive were adjourned in August following a final offer to Supermarket workers of 2.6%.

Supermarket workers will be meeting with the company again this Thursday and Friday.

But the Pak ‘N Save picket is the first ShelfRespect.org informational picket held at the company.

Dunedin organizer Ken Young says that Dunedin Pak ‘N Save does not want to negotiate wage increases but wants to review workers wages internally.

“We are fighting for the right to negotiate annual pay increases and have wage rates within the collective agreement. Pak ‘n Save Dunedin does not want to negotiate wage increases, but wants to control wages through internal pay reviews.”

The NDU also represents Pak ‘n Save workers at Lincoln Rd, Auckland, Upper Hutt and Palmerston North.

ENDS

Contact:

Simon Oosterman (Media Liason) 021 922 551

Ken Young (Dunedin Organiser) 021 994 998

http://www.shelfrespect.org

Donations for locked out Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown workers can be made out to the National Distribution Union at 02-0200-0217968-00 with the reference "Lock Out".

A $20 automatic phone donation can be by dialing 0900 LOCK OUT (5625 688)

Locations of the Progressive distribution centres:

Auckland 80 Favona Rd Mangere,

Palmerston North Supply Chain on the corner of Mako mako Rd and Mihaere Dr, Christchurch Supply Chains on Shands Rd and Columbia St.