Global union weighs in on NZ dispute

The global union representing workers in the petroleum industry has weighed in on a New Zealand industrial dispute, showing its support for striking Toll/BP drivers.

IndustriALL Global Union, which represents 50 million workers in 140 countries in mining, energy and manufacturing industries, has expressed shock over the drivers’ low wages and has called on BP to ensure respect for workers in its supply chain.

IndustriALL General Secretary Jyrki Raina has written to the CEO of BP formally requesting intervention into the dispute to pressure Toll to return to the bargaining table and ensure the drivers get a fair wage.

“We are both fully aware of the potential dangers in the transportation of petroleum,” Raina told BP CEO Robert Dudley. “Experience from all over the world shows that developed industrial relations with the appropriate trade union is the key to ensuring safety at work.”

IndustriALL have established a sign-on letter where workers can send a message to Toll management to demand better wages and a return to the bargaining table.

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