Press Release: National Distribution Union

Thursday, 17 August, 9.00am

Postie Plus Sales Not Affected by End of Youth Rates

The Postie Plus retail chain is doing well after it ended youth rates nationwide recently despite lower retail sales in the industry, says the National Distribution Union.

The Postie Plus chain, which includes Arbuckles and Baby City stores, announced yesterday that it in on track to reaching a $5 million net profit for the year after announcing a 23.1 per cent rise in fourth quarter sales with full-year sales up 9.7% to $125.3 million.

National Secretary Laila Harré said that Postie Plus was still doing well after it ended youth pay discrimination nationwide after the National Distribution Union ended youth rates at their Hawkes Bay store.

"Ending discrimination against young people has not held this company back," she said. "Employers resisting equal pay take heed."

Postie Plus chief executive Ron Boskell told the New Zealand Herald that he recognised high petrol prices and increased interest rates were making "[it] a bit of a struggle out there."

Ms Harre said that she hoped Mr Boskell's sympathy also applied to their workers who are negotiations for a decent adult livable wage at the end of the month.

Ms Harre said that the much bigger supermarkets retail chains Foodstuffs and Progressive who are also doing well during lower overall retail sales, should follow Postie Plus's example and accept the ShelfRespect.org campaign's demand to end youth rates.

ENDS

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