September 05, 2006

Industrial action continues at Pilkington

Workers at the Pilkington glass factory in Auckland are continuing industrial action as the company refuses to enter negotiations.

The fifty-five workers walked off the job on Wednesday night after the company rejected their claims for a five percent pay rise and an increase in the shift allowance to $10.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little says Pilkington is doing very well out of New Zealand.

“Pilkington’s New Zealand operation made a $14 million net profit in the year to March 2005, while at the same time its parent company made a global profit of $600 million,” he said.

“Given this, we don’t think five percent is too much to ask - this is clearly a company that can afford to pay its workers fairly.”

Mr Little urged the company to get back to the negotiating table. “It’s one thing for the company to reject the claim, but it’s another to refuse to negotiate.

“If Pilkington want to end the strike then all they have to do is come back to the table so we can reach an agreement – it’s that simple.”

The strike action will continue indefinitely.

ENDS

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