ISS withdraws lockout notices

Facilities services company ISS New Zealand has withdrawn lockout notice issued to its workers in response to the Service and Food Workers Union (SFWU) withdrawing strike notices.

The withdrawals by both parties are effective until June 18 and follows progress being made in mediation talks between the SFWU and District Health Boards over pay claims.

“We’re pleased progress is being made and that the union has decided it is in the best interests of their members to withdraw strike notices until July 18,” said ISS NZ Chief Executive Brian Young.

“We never wanted to issue lockout notices but had no option once the thousands of strike notices began arriving from the union. Most New Zealanders don’t realise that changes to legislation mean striking workers continue to get paid unless lockout notices are issued.

“We now have 10 days in which we hope this pay dispute can be settled amicably and so we can all get back to what we do best – ensuring our hospitals are clean and safe.”

ENDS