48-hour strike at Kinleith mill

November 7, 2005

Media Release

48-hour strike at Kinleith mill

Two hundred and seventy production workers at the Carter Holt Harvey-owned Kinleith pulp and paper mill near Tokoroa are on strike in protest over an inadequate pay offer and the company’s plans to cut holidays.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said that the workers walked off the job this morning for 48 hours.

“They’ve been offered a four per cent pay rise this year, with another three per cent rise next year,” he said.

“When the going rate this year is five per cent, and inflation is heading to 3.5 per cent next year, the offer is simply not good enough.”

Mr Little said that the company was also seeking to take a week’s annual leave off shift workers.

“Productivity at that plant has risen 35 per cent in the two years since the collective employment agreement was last negotiated,” he said.

“The workers have played a big part in boosting that productivity, and all they’re asking in return is a fair settlement, with a decent pay rise and no loss of annual leave.”

ENDS

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