First supermarket strike in 14 years

National Distribution Union

October 11, 2008, 11.15am

First supermarket strike in 14 years following 10c offer - National Distribution Union

Glen Innes Pak 'n Save checkout operators will strike at 12 o'clock today, 182 Apirana Ave Glen Innes.

The last strike in a supermarket was in 1994 at a Foodtown.

Organiser Jim Meyer says the company offered staff an 10 cent pay rise in December and a 4% increase next year.

"Union members want a 30c increase on the store's new pay step system introduced in April and the removal of unfair performance appraisal criteria required to go up the new pay steps."

"Workers also want their long service recognised in the new system which wipes previous service meaning staff with 12 years service are on the same rates as workers who started in April  this year. It also means staff can only get to Step 4 in April 2010 as long as they have had successful performance appraisals."

The workers demands would bring the pay rates closer to pay parity with other unionised Pak 'n Saves in Auckland.

ENDS

The current pay rates are:

* Step 1: $12.20 starting rate (20c above the minimum wage)

* Step 2: $13.20 after three months and successful performance appraisal,

* Step 3: $13.70 after six months on Step 2 and a successful performance appraisal

* Step 4: $14.70 after one year on Step 3 and a successful performance appraisal.

ends