July 1, 2005

Media Release
Airport co. workers mount picket

Workers from Auckland International Airport Company have spent the morning picketing outside the airport’s terminals as they strike for a fair share of the company’s huge profits.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little joined the pickets, and says that the striking workers are in good heart and delighted with the strong support they have received from members of the travelling public.

“Most members of the public stopped to show their support – ranging from school children on a social studies trip who came and joined us to some famous former rugby players,” he said.

Some 70 workers are striking over the company’s refusal to give them a five per cent pay rise – despite the fact that directors have had a 66 per cent rise in fees, shareholders’ dividends are up 50 per cent, and yesterday the company announced that it would pay an extra $200 million back to shareholders.

Mr Little said that the workers would return to work tomorrow, and were considering their next move.

Ends

Note: The picket will run until 1.30pm, and will be followed by a barbecue at Hangar Six, the Air New Zealand social club.

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