28th February 2005

First shot industrial action fired in 5% campaign

Nelson Coldstore workers walked off the job and set up a picket for three hours this morning in the first shot of industrial action around the growing national demand from unions for a decent pay increase this year.

Nelson Coldstore is a distribution centre for fish and vegetables, and employs around 14 workers.

“The workers are determined to win a decent pay increase and get a fair share this time around” says Neville Donaldson, Assistant National Secretary of the Service & Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota, the union representing the workers.

“They’ve been buoyed by the determination of other workers such as the Metals workers in their campaign for 5% and this helps gets things moving with a hiss and a roar,” he said.

Nelson Coldstore workers returned to work around 11am this morning.

ENDS