Lincoln Rd Pak 'n Save

The National Distribution Union has signed its second collective agreement at a Foodstuffs Pak n Save supermarket - this one at their flagship Lincoln Rd Pak 'n Save store, the largest supermarket in the country.

Pak 'n Save checkout cleaner and delegate Rina Waaka said that it was her worksite's first ever collective agreement and brings a substantial pay rise for her and her 400 co-workers in time for Christmas.

Foodstuffs (Pak 'n Save, New World and 4 Square) is world famous in NZ for its ability to cut food prices and workers’ wages and conditions.

Sixth months ago, the Growth Unit started the Pay Up Pak 'n Save campaign at the largest supermarket in the southern hemisphere, Lincoln North in West Auckland.

"More was great enthusiasm and more than 200 workers have joined the union,” said G-unit organiser, Ingrid Beckers. "Who wouldn't join the union when you know your store makes millions but pays you as little as $6.75 per hour?!"

Ingrid says that workers at the store have had enough of being paid less than Progressive workers and are fighting for a base rate of $12.70 (pay parity with Pak ‘n Save Upper Hutt), the abolition of discriminatory youth rates, long service allowances, free uniforms and secure hours.

Though it has taken three months to get around the table, negotiations have been set for the 14th and 15th of November. The dedicated core of activists and delegates have decided that the only way to win is to be active and staunch at work.
Meanwhile in Dunedin, the NDU has been holding pickets at the local Pak ‘n Save where Ken Young is organising for their first collective agreement. The company is refusing to include wages in the agreement.