8 September, 2016
MEDIA RELEASE

Embargoed until 7pm, September 8th

The brand behind everyone’s lunchbox serves up poverty wages to migrant workers

Sistema makes everyone’s lunchboxes and it’s in everyone’s fridge. But for Sistema’s 400 migrant workers, the food on their tables is too hard-won.

They work a 60-hour week and earn the minimum wage for their 12-hour day. There are two 12-hour shifts: 7am to 7pm or 7pm to 7am.

E tū has been trying to negotiate a collective agreement since February, but says Sistema is refusing to bargain in good faith.

E tū’s Manufacturing Industry Coordinator, Anita Rosentreter says the company is prospering but won’t consider a wage rise for these poorly-paid workers.

Anita says Sistema’s pay rates are well below the plastics industry standard.

“Sistema is making a huge amount of money off the hard work and sacrifices of its workers, with no recognition of this beyond the statutory minimum,” she says.

She says the long hours encroach on valuable family time and are causing serious fatigue problems.

“Sistema is a very well-known plastics brand and most New Zealanders will be appalled to learn how badly they treat the people who make their business succeed.”

ENDS

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