EPMU and Vector Taranaki agree 10% pay rise

EPMU and Vector Taranaki agree 10% pay rise

Members of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) employed at Vector Taranaki's Kapuni Gas Treatment Plant have agreed a ten percent pay rise over the next two years.

"EPMU members at Vector Taranaki's Kapuni Gas Treatment Plant ratified an agreement over the weekend for a ten percent pay rise over two years," says EPMU national secretary Andrew Little.

"The pay rise is back-dated to 1 May and includes an increase of six percent to 30th October 2011 followed by a further increase of four percent to 30th April 2011," he says.

"A ten percent pay rise over the next two years is well above the current national average annual pay rise of 1.6%," he says.

"This is a good outcome for EPMU members, highlighting the financial benefits of belonging to a union collective agreement," he says.

"A pay rise of ten percent over two years is welcome at a time when prices are rising and the Government is hiking GST, both of which hit workers' pay packets."

"Increasing pay is a better way to close the wage gap with Australia than fiddling with the tax system."

The settlement also includes agreement to establish a joint working party comprising union representatives and production leaders to facilitate collaborative training programmes, Best Practice initiatives and ensure shift work requirements do not place too great a burden on workers when they cover for colleagues.

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