Sistema sale opportunity to improve working conditions

E tū says it is looking forward to raising urgent issues related to pay and health and safety with Sistema’s new owner.

The Fortune 500 company, Newell Brands has bought Sistema for $660 million.

E tū’s Industry Coordinator, Manufacturing, Anita Rosentreter says Sistema’s owner Brendan Lindsay has sealed a deal which means the jobs will stay in New Zealand, which is good news.

But, she says, the new owners will have to deal with pressing issues related to Sistema’s low pay rates and miserable conditions.

“The Sistema success story is supported by hundreds of mainly migrant workers, labouring 60 plus hours a week for the minimum wage. They take Panadol to deal with pain and injuries and fatigue is a major problem,” says Anita.

Anita says the union will be raising these issues with the new owner.

“This is an opportunity for the union and the new owner to form a positive and constructive relationship to improve the working lives of these people,” says Anita.

ENDS

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