March 3, 2005

Mass stop-work in Auckland

More than 1000 workers have just left a stop-work meeting in Auckland.

The workers, all members of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, were voting on whether to accept a final offer from employers in the key Metals agreement.

Negotiations between the EPMU and the Northern Employers’ and Manufacturers’ Association to renegotiate the Metals and Manufacturing industries collective agreement broke down last Thursday. Employers had made a final offer of a 3.2% pay rise and the workers had dropped their pay claim of 7% to 5%.

On Sunday, the EPMU launched its Fair Share 5 in ‘05 campaign for a minimum 5% wage rise for all workers.

Members at today’s stop-work meeting were enthusiastic about the campaign.

The result of the ballot today would not be announced until ballots are completed across the country.

A mass stop-work meeting will be held at Addington Raceway in Christchurch at 1.00pm tomorrow.

ENDS

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