Workers delighted with 23.2%+ pay rise but still playing catchup

Alex, Leataolela and Deo are three happy distribution workers. Site delegates at the Farmers DC in East Tamaki, Alex Fa’a Lau, Leataolela Mauga and Deo Datt couldn’t contain their excitement over winning a 23.2%-38% pay increase over two years, bringing them closer to NDU standard pay rates for the industry.

The three workers, who have been at the site for five, 10 and 25 years respectively, joked and jumped in on each other’s conversation when interviewd by The Union Express.

“Put it this way – no one, including us delegates, have been happy about the increases we’ve been getting,” says Deo. “This time, with this increase, people are impressed.”

Alex agrees. “Members were getting frustrated, but better communication between delegates, union officials and members has really made a difference.”

Leata jumps in saying the win has boosted members confidence and is excited about more members joining the union, which she sees as a second family.

“The union isn’t just about fees and a pay rise every year,” says Alex. “It’s about getting together as a body.”

The pay rise will help Lea with her four children and to pay the mortgage. Alex, whose wife has been sick and has two kids, will catch up on some large bills and Deo is looking forward to some of the luxuries of life.

Deo, who is one of the longest serving union members, says the majority of staff members have over 10 years service and will receive a one off one week holiday at 10 years service.

“I’m going overseas”, he says. Alex jokes that he’ll be going to Waiheke but Deo insists he’ll be visiting his family in the States. “I’d like to see George Bush,” he says, but no one can tell if he’s joking.

Meanwhile, Leata says she’ll soon be sitting on the beach on her “lovely island of Samoa.”

While the distribution workers at Farmers DC have won this increase the delight is somewhat muted. Organiser Mark Muller says while the percentage and pay increase look large, the site has been underpaid for years.

“Previous pay rates haven’t been flash and workers were finally fed up,” he said. “At the end of the day it was clear that negotiations would be sorted either inside the gate, or outside.”

A third of members will get a 16% increase from $12.10 to $14.00 an hour for the first 12 months with a second increase of 7.2% next August taking them to $15.00.

Machine operators, including fork hoist and special forklifts drivers, will get a 28% increase from $12.10 to $15.00 with a further 10% next year to $17.00.