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A dozen Bunnings workers held a lightening strike and picket at the company’s Newtown store for one hour from 11.00 am Wednesday 19 December. They are members of the National Distribution Union (NDU).

They were joined in the pouring rain by a similar number of supporters from the NDU and other unions including the NZCTU, SFWU, Unite, RMTU and AUS.

Around 300 leaflets were given out to customers, passers by and motorists stopped at the lights of the busy intersection where the store in situated.

There was a continuous honking of car horns in support during the one hour action.

Delivery trucks were banked up as management and non-members tried to (unsuccessfully) unload them. The banked up trucks prevented the entry of other customers into the timber yard.

Members of the public reacted with horror and disgust that Bunnings workers on some of the lowest wages in the country were offered a zero wage increase after 8 months of bargaining by a company owned by a major Australian corporation, Wesfarmers, that pays its CEO around $6 million a year! A 62% in crease on the previous year.

A number of potential customers did not go into the shop because of the action. One told the picket that he was taking his custom to a store that valued its workers.

The action at Bunnings Newtown follows that of around 10 Bunnings stores over the last few days, with more action to follow this week and after Christmas.

ENDS

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