Union Welcomes Judges Order
Press Release: National Distribution Union and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union

National Distribution Union and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union say that they are very pleased that as a result of issuing proceedings for an injunction against Progressive that the Employment Court has ordered mediation.

NDU National Secretary Laila Harre said that the order came at the end of a day of submissions.

"We are particularly pleased that the court took the unusual step of providing a judge to conduct the mediation along with the mediator," she said. "The nature of this order means that Progressive can't walk out on the process this time. The law requires them to attempt, in good faith, to reach an agreed settlement of our differences."

"The judge did not make a decision on the injunction application but indicated that he would do so at the request of either party and at short notice. In the meantime any other company seeking to do the work of the locked out workers faces the prospect of being joined as a defendant in the further litigation."

"The unions will participate fully in the mediation process, but we will seek that decision at short notice if it becomes necessary."

Donations can be made to the National Distribution Union at 02-0200-0217968-00 with the reference "Supply Chain".

ENDS

Locations of distribution centres:

Auckland 80 Favona Rd Mangere,
Palmerston North Supply Chain on the corner of Mako mako Rd and Mihaere Dr,
Christchurch Supply Chains on Shands Rd and Columbia St.

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