240 Orora workers take industrial action to protect their work conditions

Workers at Orora Kiwi Packaging in Auckland, Hastings and Christchurch have voted to take a two-week overtime ban after collective bargaining with their employer broke down.

The ban could threaten the supply of boxes for the kiwifruit, wine and meat industries.

“Workers at Orora are a vital part of the supply chain for our major exporters,” says Joe Gallagher, EPMU organiser for the packaging industry. “Orora itself is a $3 billion multi-national business.

“Our members are bargaining for a fair wage increase. Instead, their Australian-owned employer is offering a paltry 1.8% and trying to claw back important work rights.

“After six days at the bargaining table, the workers have had enough, and will refuse any overtime for a fortnight. Their work isn’t being valued by their employer, so there’s no incentive for them to work longer hours.”

The overtime ban will begin on 30 March and could be extended if Orora refuses to budge from its miserly position.

“It’s important for workers across New Zealand to look at companies like Orora and see that this is what happens when the Government takes away workers’ rights. At the first opportunity, employers will claw back whatever they can, whether that’s tea breaks, overtime rates, or redundancy protection.

“Workers’ only power is in taking collective action. That’s how they can protect their wages and working conditions.”

ENDS

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