9 day deal with top good, but training needed

April 20, 2009
Media Release

EPMU welcomes 9 day deal with top up, but training needed

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has welcomed the Government’s decision to approve a 9 day fortnight proposal at Summit Wool Spinners, but says the Government needs to step up with funding for upskilling and training.

The 9 day fortnight agreement was negotiated between the EPMU, the National Distribution Union and Summit Wool Spinners. It involves a wage top-up from the employer and is expected to save up to 57 jobs at the recession-hit Oamaru firm.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the agreement at Summit is a good one, but the lack of a training element is a lost opportunity.

“We’ve said from the outset that any 9 day fortnight agreement must include an employer wage-top up as our members can’t afford to take another hit in the pocket. This element has been crucial to our members’ acceptance of the deal.

“Summit is to be congratulated for taking a long-term approach to the business and understanding the importance of workers and employers working together to get through the recession.

“The Government’s nine day fortnight scheme has shown it can save jobs, however we believe the lack of funding for training during our members’ time off is a lost opportunity.

“Providing workers with training and upskilling during the current downturn would boost our productivity and prepare New Zealand to take full advantage of the next economic upturn.

“We’re calling on the Government to bring in the training element of the nine day fortnight that was outlined at the Jobs Summit. It just makes good economic sense.”

Last month the EPMU negotiated a 9 day fortnight at Fisher & Paykel that involves a wage top-up and free training for workers during their time off.

ENDS

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