March 11, 2005

Chch workers to join strike

Metals workers in Christchurch will join their Auckland colleagues in a strike next Friday.

Workers from a dozen companies covered by the key Metals and Manufacturing agreement have voted this afternoon to join next week’s half-day strike in protest over their employers’ refusal to continue negotiations for a pay rise.

EPMU South Island operations director Ged O’Connell said that the workers were unanimous in their decision to take action.

“They want to send a very clear signal to their employers that it is not acceptable to walk away from negotiations because you are not getting your own way,” he said.

“The EMA’s decision to discontinue talks has made the workers more determined than ever to win a fair-share pay rise.”

The workers are seeking a 5% pay rise, which they say is fair given the current economic prosperity.

Mr O’Connell said the workers were buoyed by the support of members of the National Distribution Union (NDU), Building Trades Union (BTU) and the Public Service Association (PSA), who were at the meeting.

Christchurch workers will attend another stop-work meeting at Addington raceway at 1pm next Friday, and will not return to work.

ENDS

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