Lumbercorp workers take strike action

Lumbercorp workers take strike action

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union Members at Waikato wood-treatment company Lumbercorp walked off the job today after the company failed to provide a decent wage offer.

After nearly three months of bargaining the company’s best offer so far is a 2.75% pay rise followed by a 3% pay rise in the second year – a figure below current inflation and the members’ revised 4% claim.

EPMU national timber industry organiser Alan Clarence says members are determined to get a better offer.

“There is a culture of low pay among smaller timber sites like Lumbercorp but there is no reason our members shouldn’t get a decent pay rise and that’s exactly what we’re aiming for.

“Lumbercorp does very well from the local community and a couple of percent more on the pay packets of its local workers isn’t much to ask.

“Strike action isn’t something any worker takes lightly but after nearly three months of getting nowhere our members don’t feel they have any other option.”

Strike action will continue until Monday at which point members will meet to decide their next step.

The EPMU represents 50,000 New Zealand workers across 11 industries including more than 3,000 workers in the timber industry.

ENDS

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